Religious teachings that affirm strong protections from toxic chemicals
These teachings represent humanity’s shared moral and spiritual heritage, and affirm the importance of protecting society and all life on Earth from the threats posed by toxic chemicals.
Judaism affirms that human beings are created b’tselem Elohim, in the divine image (Genesis 1:26), and that God recognized all Creation as “very good” (Genesis 1:31), implying the importance of respect and care for the human body and all Creation. Judaism emphasizes God’s command to treat vulnerable communities with compassion and justice, take precautions to prevent possible harm, and forbid people from knowingly harming themselves or others (Leviticus 19:28, Deuteronomy 15:7). Classical Jewish sources mandate proper waste disposal and that potentially dangerous manufacturing processes be sited at a safe distance from our homes and communities (e.g. Deuteronomy 23:13-15, Mishnah Baba Batra 2:9). Jewish tradition recognizes the inherent value of children and future generations (Shabbat 119b).
Christianity echoes Jewish teachings about Creation’s goodness, and the New Testament teaches that Christ’s salvation encompasses not only humankind but “all things” or “the entire world” (Colossians 1:15-20; John 3:16) -, demonstrating the importance of the whole of Creation. Jesus teaches that those who receive gifts from the Creator are required to use these responsibly (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-28), and that Christians are called to seek justice for society’s most vulnerable (Matthew 25:31-40). Paul writes that our bodies are a “temple of the holy spirit” (1 Cor. 6:19-20), and Jesus healed numerous people suffering from illnesses, showing God’s care for human health and the body.
Islam teaches that the natural world is a “sign” (“aya”) that points to the existence of Allah and that all of Creation glorifies Allah (Qur’an 27:88, 24:41). Human beings are God’s “viceregents” and stewards (Qur’an 2:30, 6:165, 33:72) and are divinely ordained to maintain Creation’s balance and harmony (Qur’an 55:1-13). Allah forbids self-harm – an implicit caution in regards to use of toxic substances (Qur’an 2:195, 4:29). Justice for the vulnerable is central to Islam – whether through care for those who suffer or through the prevention of suffering. For example, Prophet Muhammad declared, “Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one.” People asked, “O Messenger of God,… how can we help the oppressor?” Prophet Muhammad replied, “By preventing the oppressor from committing acts of injustice” (Sahih Bukhari 45:4).
Hinduism affirms veneration of nature in its Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Sutras, and other sacred texts. Millions of Hindus recite Sanskrit mantras which recognize the divine in sacred rivers, mountains, trees, and animals. Hinduism’s yogic traditions affirm the importance of human health, while Hindu theologies note that Earth is to be revered as a manifestation of the goddess (Devi). Mahatma Gandhi taught that simple living is the foundation of sustainable economies, and that “dharma” – often translated “duty” - can be interpreted to support respect for Earth. Gandhi emphasized the Hindu teaching of “ahimsa,” or nonviolence towards the web of life. The ancient Indic tradition of Jainism declares non-violence as its supreme virtue and endorses vegetarianism to benefit human health and prevent animal suffering.
Buddhist teachings such as “dependent co-arising” (“paticca samupadda”) and the Jewel Net of Indra affirm that all life is interconnected, and by extension recognize that toxic chemicals damage this web of life. Buddhism also affirms “ahimsa,” or non-violence, recognizing that we must reduce avoidable suffering, and teaches the importance of restraint and self-mastery as methods to achieve individual and collective harmony, criticizing the self-indulgence and greed that characterizes the reckless use of toxics. Buddhism affirms our duty to show compassion to society’s most vulnerable members. For example, Bodhisattvas are great spiritual leaders who draw near to enlightenment and then, instead of entering nirvana, choose to help the less fortunate achieve enlightenment and well-being.
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