What the study found
The article argues for an integral eco-theology that holds COP30’s policy trajectory and Earth Charter+25’s ethical vision in tension. It presents theology as a holistic engagement with reality across subjective, cultural, behavioural, and systemic dimensions, and links this to a move from anthropocentric dominion toward kenotic communion with the community of life.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that this provides a publicly accountable theological framework for Christian praxis in the context of the climate emergency. They also say that degrowth and rewilding function as normative expressions of ecodomy within this framework.
What the researchers tested
The article is a theological argument that incorporates two 2025 normative developments, COP30 outcomes in Belém and the Earth Charter+25 renewal, into a coherent response to the climate emergency. It builds on the author's earlier integration of Pope Francis’s integral ecology and Ken Wilber’s AQAL framework, and uses a dialectical approach rooted in diastasis to sustain creative tension.
What worked and what didn't
The article states that the Belém Political Package shows progress in adaptation finance and just transition mechanisms. It also states that it falls short in achieving a fossil fuel phase-out, while Earth Charter+25 is described as presenting a renewed moral horizon focused on ecological integrity and intergenerational responsibility.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe empirical data, experiments, or comparative analysis beyond the theological evaluation presented here. Its claims are framed as an argument within theology, and no additional limitations are stated in the available summary.
Key points
- The article advances an integral eco-theology that connects COP30 outcomes with Earth Charter+25.
- It describes theology as engaging subjective, cultural, behavioural, and systemic dimensions of reality.
- The authors frame the shift as moving from anthropocentric dominion toward kenotic communion with the community of life.
- The Belém Political Package is said to make progress on adaptation finance and just transition mechanisms.
- The article says the Belém outcomes do not achieve a fossil fuel phase-out.
- Earth Charter+25 is described as emphasizing ecological integrity and intergenerational responsibility.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- The article frames theology as a response to climate emergency
- Authors:
- Johan Buitendag
- Institutions:
- University of Pretoria
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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