Pananagútan: A Multifaceted Framework for Filipino Theological Ethics of Responsibility

Abstract Lynn White’s critique of Christianity for its role in environmental degradation has prompted the emergence of alternative ethical paradigms that do not center on utilitarian appraisals of the environment. This paper examines the distinct theological features of approaches from Asian evangelical theologians Ken Gnanakan and Athena Gorospe. Subsequently, I will present a framework for the theological ethics of responsibility inherent in the Filipino lingua-cultural concept of pananagútan . This concept not only integrates key theological principles that form the foundation of Christian environmental ethics but also acknowledges the imperative for a nuanced approach that recognizes the intrinsic and instrumental value of all forms of life. Pananagútan contributes to the ongoing discourse on theological ethics, offering a multifaceted approach to the responsible use of the natural world.