Modern Orthodox Judaism and Eco-Theology: Exploring Rabbi Soloveitchik's Environmental Ethos in the Anthropocene Era

• In Event: New Directions in Studies of Orthodoxy

Abstract

The Anthropocene, a term introduced by Crutzen and Stoermer in 2000, highlights the significant impact of human activities on Earth's ecosystems. Defined by rapid global warming, severe climate alterations, and extreme weather phenomena, this era represents an ecological crisis that obscures the distinctions between 'nature' and 'humanity.'

In the past few decades, global religions have progressively engaged with the intricate theoretical, ethical, and pragmatic challenges brought about by the ecological crisis of the Anthropocene, ushering in what has been termed an "ecological phase." This shift was initially prompted by White's 1967 critique, which ascribed the ecological crisis to the anthropocentric leanings inherent in Judeo-Christian traditions. White's assertion that biblical doctrines regarding Earth's dominion and the creation of humans in God's image have encouraged environmental degradation led to a reevaluation of religious tenets in the context of ecological concerns, including Jewish ecological thought.

Initially, Orthodox Jewish scholars primarily countered White's critique. However, most of the literature on Jewish environmentalism since then has been produced by non-Orthodox authors. This trend has led to a prevailing perception that Modern Orthodox Judaism contributes little or nothing substantial to the realm of Jewish eco-theology. This research seeks to challenge this presumption by exploring the eco-theological perspectives inherent in Modern Orthodox Judaism.

To do so, this research undertakes an in-depth analysis of Rabbi Soloveitchik's eco-theological viewpoint, primarily through his work "The Emergence of the Ethical Man." This analysis is placed in context with three of Soloveitchik's major writings: "The Lonely Man of Faith," "Confrontation," and selected chapters from "Family Redeemed." Together, these works provide a comprehensive understanding of creation and humanity's role therein, demonstrating the evolution of Soloveitchik's ethical and ecological thinking. Moreover, this paper situates Soloveitchik's thoughts within the framework of 20th-century Lebensphilosophie, particularly Bergson's notion of élan vital and his perspectives on morality and religion as expressed in Bergson's "Two Sources of Morality and Religion." Through this investigation, the paper aims to highlight one of many distinctive Modern Orthodox voices in eco-theology, thereby underscoring the potential contributions of Modern Orthodoxy to eco-theological discourse.

Author

• Ghila Amati