EKOTEOLOGI SEBAGAI PARADIGMA TRANSFORMATIF : UPAYA MEMBANGUN ETIKA EKOLOGIS ANTARA ANTROPOSENTRIS DAN EKOSENTRIS

Abstract

The current environmental crisis poses a serious threat to the survival of humanity and the planet’s ecosystems. Environmental degradation including pollution, deforestation, climate change, and the extinction of biodiversity stems from an anthropocentric paradigm that places humans at the center of the universe and legitimizes excessive exploitation of natural resources. This paradigm has fostered a consumptive lifestyle and a capitalist economy that disrupt the balance of ecosystems. This study employs a qualitative library research approach using hermeneutic analysis of primary and secondary sources to construct an alternative paradigm in the form of ecotheology. The findings indicate that a shift toward an ecocentric paradigm, which emphasizes moral equality between humans and nature, is a fundamental step in developing a sustainable environmental ethic. In this context, ecotheology offers a strong spiritual and moral framework through the values of tawhid (divine unity), khalifah (stewardship), amanah (trust), compassion, and ahimsa (non-violence), all of which teach human responsibility for environmental preservation. The implementation of these teachings can be seen in religious movements such as eco-mosques and eco-churches, which cultivate collective ecological awareness. This study concludes that ecotheology can serve as a transformative bridge between anthropocentrism and ecocentrism by placing spirituality as the foundation of ecological ethics. Through the integration of religious values, education, and public policy, it is expected that a new ecological consciousness will emerge one capable of maintaining both environmental sustainability and human well-being in balance.