Theology, Creation, and Environmental Ethics: From Creatio Ex Nihilo to Terra Nullius

Winner of the John Templeton Award for Theological Promise, 2009

This book argues that the Christian doctrine of creatio ex nihilo (creation out of nothing) sets up a support system for a ＂logic of domination＂ toward human and earth others. Conceptually inspired by the work of theologian Catherine Keller and feminist philosopher of the environment Val Plumwood, it follows a genealogical method in examining how the concept of creation out of nothing materializes in the world throughout different periods in the history of the Christian West.

Whitney Bauman is Assistant Professor of Religion and Science at Florida International University. He is the Assistant Editor for the forthcoming The Berkshire Encyclopedia for Sustainability: The Spirit of Sustainability (Berkshire, 2009).