Early Christian Eco-theology

One of the early Christian texts that was suppressed by the western tradition of Christianity is the more eastern or oriental Gospel of Philip. In that text, which Ward Bauman and I have recently translated from Coptic, the following "Analogue" appears. It is quite telling and powerful. If western Christianity had kept this perspective, we might not be in the ecological crisis we are experiencing today.

The Master said, “Blessed are all who existed before coming into being, for all who are now, both existed before and shall ever be.”

The transcendence of human beings is not obvious to the naked eye. It remains hidden from view, but the result is that humans have mastery over creation, even over those creatures which are larger and stronger. Through what is manifest and what is hidden, we are able to survive. When, however, humans separate from nature, then everything begins to devour and destroy itself, because there is no mutual nourishment. But when human beings cherish and cultivate the earth, then all things are properly fed.