Groene exegese: nieuwe perspectieven

This article is a response by Matthijs de Jong and Cor Hoogerwerf to four reviewers of their book Hemels Groen ("Heavenly Green"), a Dutch-language exegetical study on Scripture and ecological themes. The authors engage with critiques concerning the book's portrayal of humanity's role in creation, arguing that the Bible presents two complementary perspectives on the human being: as the unique image-bearer of God with a distinct calling, and as a creature among creatures, dependent on God alongside all creation. They explain their interpretation of the dominion language in Genesis 1 as priestly rather than exploitative, situating it within the literary and theological world of the priestly text. The article also reflects on the motivation behind the book (supporting Dutch-speaking ministers and preachers in engaging biblically with urgent questions of climate, ecology, and biodiversity) and responds to questions about anthropocentrism, theocentrism, and the concept of stewardship.