Approaches to

Understanding the
Relationship of the
Human Person
with the
Environment
 COSMOS-CENTRIC APPROACH

It is way of viewing universal life and nature

as more than just backdrop to our lives, but
as an integral part of who we are. It is seeing
both ourselves and the source of life as
being at one with nature. It is learning to live
in harmony with the universal rhythms of life
COSMOS-CENTRIC APPROACH

The universe is reflected

in us-we are small version
of the universe
THEOCENTRIC APPROACH

It is the belief that GOD is the central

aspect to our existence where the
meaning and value of actions done to
people or the environment are
attributed to God.
TENETS OF THEOCENTRISM
Humility Respect
Moderations Mindfulness
Selflessness

 lend towards a form of environmentalism

THEOCENTRIC APPROACH

 POPE FRANCIS
“We must forcefully reject the
notion that our being created in
God’s image and given dominion
over the earth justifies absolute
domination over other creatures”
THEOCENTRIC APPROACH

 In modern theology, theocentricism

is often linked with stewardship and
environmental ethics or Creation care
THEOCENTRIC APPROACH

It is the belief that human beings

should look after the world as
guardians and therefore in the way
God wants them to. Humans should be
considerate to all, from animals to
plants to humans themselves.
THEOCENTRIC APPROACH

Humans are not just consumers

of earth’s resources. We are its
co-creators.
ANTROPOCENTRIC APPROACH

A philosophical viewpoint arguing

that human beings are the central or
most significant entities in the world
which is the basic belief embedded in
many Western religions and
philosophies
ANTROPOCENTRIC APPROACH

Anthropocentrism regards humans as

separate from and superior to nature and
holds that human life has intrinsic value while
other entities (including animals, plants,
mineral resources, and so on) are resources
that may justifiably be exploited for the benefit
of humankind.
 BALANCE APPROACH
Cosmos-centric approach emphasizes
balance and harmony between human beings
and nature
Anthropocentric approach shows how we
earthly beings is in need of resources
Theocentric approach emphasizes on our
heavenly role as stewards of creation