Managing God’s estate: current environmental policies and the Biblical tradition

Abstract

Examines the Biblical positions concerning humankind’s relationship to nature. The Biblical ecological system is a hierarchical system with human beings at the pinnical of nature and the animal and vegetative worlds below to serve humans. The same hierarchical structure prevails in human relations. Reviews the all‐embracing principal “Do not wantonly destroy”, which encompasses both humans and animals. Provides a Biblical perspective on environmental regulations Suggests that environmental agencies should focus less on rules and much more on prudential judgement. Regulatory activities should then require a balancing of benefits and costs.