Land Ethic is posted in a series of six sections. This essay was published previously in New Philosophy (Jan-June 2005). - Editor.

See next sections: 2: Instrumental Arguments; 3: Utilitarian Arguments; 4: Intrinsic Value Arguments; 5: Theological Arguments; 6: New Church Arguments

We live in a time of unprecedented change in the natural world. Ecologists tell us that we are currently experiencing the sixth mass extinction in the history of the world, but with one key exception. The current crisis differs from the previous five in that it is human induced. Acid rain, soil erosion, global warming, suburbanization, and over or conspicuous consumption are just a few of the problems facing us at the turn of the millennium. It would not be difficult to add many other items to this list, but it is beyond the scope of this paper to address the actual manifestations of ecological degradation in any detail, or for that matter even attempt to evaluate the veracity of the facts surrounding these environmental problems. Rather, this paper is premised on the belief that while there may be some discrepancies or even distortions in the way scientific research is used and presented, the total effect of mankind's current modus operandi is having a deleterious effect on the natural world. The earth's stocks of resources, natural capital – genetic, hydrologic, mineralogic, atmospheric, etc. – are being consumed or overburdened far faster than they can replenish.

Faced with the huge, daunting ecological challenges our technological society has created, what is an appropriate Christian response? More specifically, do the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg justify developing an intimate relationship with the land that supports us a la “The Land Ethic” so eloquently envisioned by Aldo Leopold?