The interrelatedness between wisdom literature, creation theology and ecological responsibility
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19479232 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ananda B Geyser-Fouché (0000-0002-8898-4272, University of Pretoria, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-10 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Verbum et Ecclesia (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1609-9982 • E-ISSN: 2074-7705 |
| Publisher | AOSIS (PUBLISHER • ZA) |
| DOI | 10.4102/ve.v47i1.3793 |
| OpenAlex | W7164017565 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 8 |
This article explores how Old Testament wisdom literature, rooted in creation theology, offers profound insights into ecological responsibility. It argues that wisdom traditions – especially those found in Proverbs, Job and Psalms – reflect a worldview grounded in divine order, natural observation and ethical engagement with creation. Wisdom literature is distinguished by its focus on creation as a source of divine revelation, with ancient sages discerning regularity in nature that reflected God’s sustaining presence. Concepts like ma’at in Egyptian thought and tzedek and/or tzedakah in Hebrew wisdom underscore a theological order that informs ethical living, a framework scholars call ‘order-thinking’. Texts like Job 12 and Psalm 19 illustrate that creation speaks non-verbally but meaningfully to those who listen, with Lady Wisdom portrayed as both a participant in creation and a divine communicator. The article integrates evolutionary science with theology, viewing evolution as continuous divine creation rat
Hebrew · New Testament · Old Testament · Evolution and Science Education · Religion, Ecology, and Ethics · Theology and Philosophy of Evil
| Highly cited | No |
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