Perceptions of Soil in Catholic Theology

In times of climate change, population growth and international land speculation, soil protection is of special importance for sustainable development. The multiple functions of soil are endangered worldwide by a creeping process of degradation. From an ethical point of view this has to be answered by a paradigm shift towards nature-compatible agriculture and area planning. This shift touches upon not only some aspects of agricultural policy, development cooperation and consumption habits but also requires a deep transformation of values. In consequence theology is challenged to rediscover forgotten aspects of creation theology in which soil plays an astonishingly crucial role. For instance, the bible dubs the first human adam, “earthling” (cf. adamah, soil): he belongs to earth and soil, he is made from it. Soil protection is a question of culture. Against this background, the following theses infer ten ethical guidelines for soil protection.