African American Environmental Ethics: A Theological Response Öffentlichkeit

Abstract

Anthropogenic activity due to capitalism has contributed greatly to climate change over the past several decades, resulting in rising sea levels, increased storm frequency, extreme cold or hot weather, sustained droughts, and flooding. Consequently, these adverse effects to our natural and human systems leave the earth and its populations vulnerable and at risk. While these risks and concerns associated with environmental degradation due to human-induced activity affect all of creation, African Americans and communities of color are more negatively impacted than any other groups of people in the United States, making them disproportionally the victims of environmental injustices causing African Americans and other people of color—health, economic and social suffering. As a result of systemic and structural racism in this country, particularly in the South, African Americans not only are unknowingly harmed but also contribute unknowingly and knowingly to unfavorable environmental activity. As African American Christians find themselves the victims of such racist environmental oppression while simultaneously unknowingly engaging in environmental harm, this thesis analyzes this thought-provoking paradox and explores a theological response. Examining the ethics of such an oppressed-oppressor relationship with Nature, this thesis positions stewardship, justice and love as theological values necessary to modify behavior and encourage positive environmental action to mitigate harm in the African American community. With a focus on air abuse in communities of color, brought on by a local landfill fire and the manufacturing of the single-use plastic water bottle, this research demonstrates the qualitative results of an ethnographical study conducted at a local African American church. Findings will show that a theological response of stewardship, justice and love is necessary for African American Christians to reconcile such a paradox with Nature, thereby, contributing to the flourishing of all of humankind.

Table of Contents

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………... 1

The City of South Fulton ………………………………………………………………... 2

Approach: A Paradox of Oppression .…………………………………………………... 6

Anthropogenic Climate Change ……...………………………………………………..... 7

Environmental Injustice and a Long History of Oppression .………………………….. 10

Air Pollution …..…………………………………………………………..…… 13

Case 1: Landfills …………………………………………………………..…… 15

Case 2: Single Use Plastic Water Bottle ..………………………………………18

Invisible Shift: Oppressed to Oppressor ……………………………………………….. 22

Zion Hill Baptist Church: An Ethnographic Study in Environmental Stewardship …… 26

The Beauty ……………………………………………………..………………………. 32

Theological Inspiration .………………………………………..………………………. 34

Stewardship……………………………………………...……………………… 39

Justice …………………………………………………..………………….…… 40

Love .…………………………………………………..…….…………………. 41

Conclusion ……………………………………………………..…….………………… 49

Bibliography .……………………………………………………..…….……………… 52

References ………………………………………………………..………..…………… 54

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Candler School of Theology
Department	Divinity
Degree	M.Div.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Theology Ethics Environmental Studies
Stichwort	Theology African American Environmental Justice
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Lambelet, Kyle, Emory University
Committee Members	Phillips, Nichole R., Emory University

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