Förundran och kontemplation En analys av Stefan Edmans ekoteologi

Sammanfattning

This dissertation aims to bring the thought of Stefan Edman, which has been a major influence on the ecotheology and environmental work of the churches in Sweden, into the field of academic ecotheology in Scandinavia. First, based on Edman’s writings and an interview with Edman himself, I systematize his ecotheology, showing among other things his emphasis on the experience of wonder as an intermediary between various sources and disciplines, including natural science and theology, as well as the necessity of concrete experience of nature. Second, drawing on William Desmond’s philosophy of wonder and on ecotheology based in natural contemplation, I argue that Edman’s ecotheology can fruitfully be understood in contemplative terms, although it occasionally differs from this tradition; in particular, his understanding of wonder better supports the integration of natural science into a contemplative context, yet his understanding of ascetical practice is underdeveloped. Third, I argue that Edman offers several contributions to the field of ecotheology in contemporary Scandinavia, especially the importance of a concrete theology of nature, the importance of natural science, and the role of wonder as an intermediary between disciplines and sources, including science and theology.