Cristianismo y naturaleza: de ideología legitimadora a evangelios verdes

This article analyzes Christian images and conceptions of Nature and their implications for our relation with the later. The western world disseminated its economic systems, languages and beliefs in the world at large. Thus, the ideas and images of Nature of Christianity, the majority religion of the western world, gain increasing importance at a time of growing concern about the effects of the ecological and environmental crisis.
Firstly, I introduce some ideas and images considered by eminent researchers to be the cause of the conquering, plundering and objectifying relationship to Nature. Secondly, alternative metaphors and models of Christianity’s relationship with Nature are analyzed and interpreted, viz. Saint Francis’ fraternal vision and the elaboration of a green utopia drawn by the current Pope in his recent encyclical, Laudato Si. As we live in secularized societies that either ignore or entertain a stereotypical view of religion, I present some tenets of Ludwig Wittgenstein asserting the value of religion and ethics as symbolic systems that lead to different forms of life. Additionally, he maintained that religion in no way should be diminished or subjected to the rules and principles of the natural sciences.