On nature, Christianity and deep ecology—a response to W. S. Helton and N. D. Helton

Abstract

Establishing factually‐based public support for the intrinsic value of nature, vis‐à‐vis a ‘domineering’ or ‘stewardship’ relation with the natural environment, necessitates the prior theoretical and methodological establishment of the above normative distinction. In this reply I argue that the Modified New Environmental Paradigm used by Helton and Helton does not address the differences between Christian and deep ecological values by fusing them into one anti‐industrial paradigm, thus allowing for the articulation of otherwise false impressions of public support for anti‐developmental policies.

Notes

1. For example, in this article I never argued that ‘Christian theology continues to encourage anti‐environmental attitudes’ (Helton and Helton, 2007, p. 140).