Man in Relation to Creation According to John Z. Zizioulas

Abstract

The ecological crisis is a huge challenge for humanity because it threatens everyone and the whole world. Theology should develop an appropriate theological model that will make a constructive contribution to the solution of this problem. There are many statements on this subject today, but the most systematic and in-depth vision is brought by the concept of the Eastern theologian John D. Zizioulas. The article is to present first the theological vision of man in the context of ecological threat and the concept of man as a priest of creation. It also requires a different interpretation of the original fall of man. How can the realization of the model of man as the priest of creation liberate creation from its limitations and lead it to survival? What are the implications of man's priestly function toward creation? The ecological crisis is a cultural crisis connected with the loss of the sacredness of nature. Christianity treats the world as sacred because it persists in a dialectical relation to God, but the rupture of communion with God leads to its annihilation. If we want to save the world and not return to paganism, the Christian approach is the only way to solve the ecological crisis and ensure the survival of creation by including it in the eternal life of God.