AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY OF JUDAISM AND ENVIRONMENT AS A PANACEA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

Abstract

The Israelite religion, Judaism is an integral part of culture that helps in shaping the understanding, morality, religious and cultural practices and values of the Ancient people of Israel in the Ancient Near East, the Palestine or Canaan Land where they were settled. Judaism teaches that the world is God’s property, making human stewards responsible for protecting rather than exploiting natural resources. Its central tenets include bal tashchit (do not destroy/waste), honouring the land through rest (shmita) and preserving biodiversity. These principles encourage sustainability and environmental responsibilities. The religion also emphasize obedience to Torah (Laws) and the cultivation of good morality structured in invaluable ethical values and teachings replicated in their true sense of justice, righteousness, and fulfillment of religious duties to Yahweh and their love for humanity. Recent studies reveal that faithfulness to Judaism encourages tremendous reward of sustainable growth and development of economy, morality and national life. It also implies profound peace, tranquility, unity and progress in the environment. Similarly, African nations are opened to transformation if God’s love and care for humanity and environment becomes their centre of governance. But the question is, “how many African leaders can selflessly make obedience to laws and the care for humanity and environment their goal without necessarily pursuing their personal interest during their tenure in office?” This is one of the questions that this article, using historical-critical and theological approaches is trying to address and the findings are obtained from the discussion ensued.