Ecology is Theology – Swedish Church

Is caring for the environment a secular concern, or is it fundamentally a theological one? In this talk, Rev. Dr. Maria Leppäkari, Director of the Swedish Theological Institute in Jerusalem, argues for the latter, exploring the intrinsic and inseparable links between ecology and theology. Rather than treating environmental care as an add-on to religious practice, she makes the case that ecological responsibility is woven into the very foundations of theological thought — meaning that to take faith seriously is to take the health of the planet seriously as well.

Her reflections offer a compelling Swedish Christian perspective on why churches and religious institutions have a central role to play in addressing environmental challenges, not as a matter of activism alone, but as a direct expression of faith itself. This talk was recorded at the 2019 Interfaith Seminary Symposium on Ecological Behavior in Jerusalem. Viewers interested in complementary Christian perspectives can also check out a related talk by Brother Steve DeMaio on Catholicism vs. Consumerism.