ABSTRACT
The Bible and religion have played an important role in contemporary discussion about the environment since the mid-1960s. This chapter focuses on three contemporary readings of the Bible which have been deemed as problematic for its use in environmental discussions: the anthropocentrism of the biblical worldview; the role of work, law, and covenant; and the otherworldly orientation of eschatology. Each of these readings will be assessed critically and a new, nuanced interpretation will be offered that articulates how the Bible may contribute to environmental discussions. The context of Benedict's defense of anthropocentrism raises the question of whether anthropocentrism is inherently deleterious to the environment. The covenant is a formal relationship between God and Israel, rooted in God's past actions on behalf of Israel and requiring in response Israel's observance of God's laws, which have the consequence of blessings or curses. The eschatological visions in the biblical tradition are problematic in regard to an environmental ethic or theology.
