War on Waste: The contributions of Pentecostal eco-theology in creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities

Abstract

The 11th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the United Nations is to “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.” This goal aims to promote inclusivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability, addressing various urban issues also implicated in other SDGs (1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, and 17). The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality recently embarked on a campaign, ‘War on Waste,’ in an effort to create a healthy and safe environment for the inhabitants of the city. All over the city, heaps of waste accumulate on nearly every corner, and despite regular cleaning, they reappear. Faith communities have a role to play in meeting the SDGs to fight in the War on Waste campaign. Drawing on biblical and historical sources about care for the environment and theological contributions that reflect sustainable development and the environment, the article explores the contribution that Pentecostal eco-theology can make to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. The study uses comparative literature analysis and follows a multi-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary approach, covering the fields of Environmental Studies, Development Studies, and Theology to find the root causes of such harmful behaviour and actions and to develop environmental stewardship through the tenets of a Pentecostal eco-theology.