Do differences exist between Hong Kong Christians and non-Christians in environmentalism? : a discussion of the relationship between Christianity and environmentalism in Hong Kong

Abstract

Religious factors affecting Christians’ environmentalism has received considerable attention since the publication of Lynn White’s thesis in 1967 accusing Christianity as the root of ecological crisis. In this study, environmentalism of Christians and non-Christians are compared. 555 Hong Kong citizens are interviewed through questionnaires between 1 February and 5 March 2022 to compare the difference of Christians and non-Christians in terms of environmental perception, willingness to sacrifice to protect the environment and environmental behaviour. The result showed that Christians in Hong Kong had higher environmental perception and willingness to sacrifice to protect the environment than non-Christians, but no difference was found between the two groups in environmental behaviour. Structural equation modelling was used to studies the association of Hong Kong’s Christians’ environmentalism with different worldviews, aspects of religiosity, literalism, eschatology, association of environmental protection with justice and love, and environmental education in the church. Christians’ association of environmental protection with justice and love, and environmental education in the church are positively correlated with their environmentalism. Focus groups were also conducted with church leaders, environmental educators as well as regular churchgoers on 1 April 2022 to discuss the survey result, and explore the opportunity for the church to enhance environmental education among Christians in Hong Kong. Encouraging churchgoers to take greater ownership of their vocation as stewards, and collaborating churches and scientists in bringing environmental education in churches were recommended in this study.