Title: Sustainable waters and a new grammar of earthly compassion: an impressionistic report on The Columbia River Watershed: realities and possibilities

Authors: Robert L. Chapman

Addresses: Pace University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Schiff Faculty Center, Room 310, New York, NY 10038 , USA

Abstract: Since the publication of Lynn White|s seminal article in 1967, the Christian religious tradition in the West has been labelled strongly anthropocentric in relation to the world of nature. The recent dissemination of the Catholic bishop|s reflection on the Columbia River watershed in preparation for a pastoral letter can be read as an official response to this genre of criticism. By adopting a position that attributes inherent value to nature, church teaching is brought into line with environmental thought that favours sustainable use, is reminiscent of earlier American theological/philosophical views and provides a convincing public response to White|s criticism.

Keywords: anthropocentrism; Christianity; inherent value; Lynn White, Jr.; sustainable development; water.

DOI: 10.1504/IJW.2001.002060

International Journal of Water, 2001 Vol.1 No.2, pp.167-178

Published online: 15 Aug 2003 *

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