Christ as cosmic redeemer: ecological christology in light of colossians 1

Abstract

This article explores the theme of Christ as Cosmic Redeemerin light of Colossians 1:15-20, situating it within the developing framework of ecological Christology. The Pauline hymn portrays Christ not only as the redeemer of humanity but also as the one through whom all things, for instance, visible and invisible, earthly and heavenly, are created, sustained, and ultimately reconciled. Such a vision challenges narrow, anthropocentric interpretations of salvation that focus solely on individual or communal human redemption, instead opening a cosmic horizon in which the whole created order participates in God’s plan of renewal. By integrating biblical exegesis with contemporary ecological theology, itemphasizes that the reconciling mission of Christ extends to the ecological web of life, encompassing ecosystems, species, and the integrity of the Earth itself. In light of our contemporaryecological crisis, Colossians 1 provides a vital theological resource for re-imagining salvation as cosmic in scope and ecological in orientation. Ultimately, the article argues that Christian discipleship entails ecological responsibility, grounded in the confession of Christ’s cosmic lordship and God’s reconciling action in all creation.