TAKINGS LEGISLATION VERSUS
THE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN LAND ETHIC

"THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND,
THIS LAND IS GOD'S LAND":

TAKINGS LEGISLATION VERSUS
THE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN LAND ETHIC

by Ann Alexander, Fred Clark, Fred Krueger, and Stan LeQuire


QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

  • What is the relationship between environmental laws and the command to love our neighbor? Does Scripture shed light on whether environmental laws are necessary to ensure proper regard of landowners for the interest of their neighbors? Discuss these questions in light of the laws contained in Leviticus chapters 19 and 25.

  • What does it mean to be a "steward" of the land that God has entrusted to us? What is required in order to manage land in a way that honors God? What passages of Scripture describe the manner in which God wants us to care for creation?

  • Read Luke 12:15-21. Describe the lifestyle of the main character. Who are the other characters in the parable? What is missing in this man's life? Is there a message here for us?

  • What is the relationship in Scripture between the common good and the rights and interests of individuals?

  • What does Scripture have to say about economic justice for property owners? For the poor generally? Does either receive greater emphasis? What are the implications with respect to land use regulation?


 



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