Princeton Theological Seminary
Chijioke Elekwa Agbaeze is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and a Master of Arts candidate in Theology and Ecology at Princeton Theological Seminary. With a background in Animal and Environmental Biology, his work bridges theology and environmental science, focusing on creation care, ecological justice, and the lived experiences of faith communities. His research draws on eco-theological frameworks to address contemporary ecological crises, emphasizing the importance of kinship and holistic stewardship of the Earth. Chijioke has actively collaborated with Sustaining All Life, contributing to workshops and events during NYC Climate Week and the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP), where he advocates for global ecological justice. He is also a participant in the Annual Black Leadership Summit, where he engages in conversations on the intersection of racial justice, ecological sustainability, and faith-based leadership.
The Hexameron (Genesis 1:1–2:3) offers a profound theological framework for contemplating humanity’s relationship with creation and the divine. This paper investigates how the six days of creation articulate a vision of creation care grounded in kinship, interdependence, and ecological responsibility, emphasizing the relational dynamics between humanity, the divine, and the broader creation. By engaging the theological dimensions of the Hexameron alongside contemporary eco-theological insights, the paper highlights the interconnectedness of all creation and the ethical imperative for humans to sustain and nurture life systems. Focusing particularly on Day 3 (the emergence of vegetation) and Day 6 (humanity as imago Dei), it proposes a model of creation care that centres on kinship—extending to the divine, the human, and the more-than-human world. Drawing from African eco-theologies, indigenous wisdom, and environmental science, this study offers a holistic approach to transcending anthropocentric paradigms, addressing critical issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change. The paper concludes with actionable insights for faith communities to embody creation care practices that harmonize conservation with creativity, fostering ecological and spiritual resilience.