Appropriating Economic-Justice in Genesis 2:15-17 for Societal Sustainability: The Nigerian Case

Abstract

Appropriating economic principles, and sustainable development, as espoused in Genesis 2:15-17 remains germane for societal sustainability. Although scholars have engaged the text from various perspectives, little is said about its relevance to sustainable economy. This paper draws certain economic principles for responsible economic management for societal sustainability. Moreover, the Historical-Grammatical Method is adopted for the interpreting the purposively select text of Genesis 2:15-17 unique for economic justice. The work discovers that though economic resources are YHWH’s gifts, fair and responsible/accountable management remains the duty of humanity (Gen 2:15-17). It identifies nuach as a state of safety/security of Eden’s economic resources (Gen.2:15). It further submits that greed/avarice, misappropriation, etc., constitute major setbacks to economic stability (Gen. 3:6-19). Therefore, it advocates for justice in terms of adjudication (mȗththāmȗth) for violations of prohibitions (mȗth thāmȗth) as these could result in sustainable economy in Nigeria.