The Flourishing of Creation as a Theological Framework for Human Spiritual Health

International Symposium: Spiritual Illness, the Ultimate Ailment to Be Feared: “Do you want to be healed”? (John 5, 6): Understanding Spiritual Health in the 21st Century, Faculty of Orthodox Theology of Babeș-Bolyai University, Romania, 4-5 November 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the use, by a number of contemporary theologians, of the concept of ‘flourishing’ in relation to the whole of creation and humanity in particular, and examines the connection between the flourishing of creation and the spiritual health of the human race. The paper first draws on Enochic studies to understand the connection between balance and order in creation and the moral rectitude of human life and response to the Creator in ancient Jewish thought. It then contrasts this with Western post-Reformation thought in which creation is seen to exist for, and to exploited to the benefit of, human advancement and well-being. Although this route could lead us into reflections on creation theology this paper takes an alternative route, in the company of Miroslav Volf and others, to examine spiritual sickness in the 21^st century and how this can be addressed by attention to the holistic understanding of the flourishing of the whole creation. The mission texts of John 10:10 and Romans 8:19 will underpin the proposition that the ultimate objective of the Missio Dei is the eternal flourishing of humanity in the context of a flourishing, God-honouring universe.