In 1967, Lynn White, Jr. argued that "Christianity bears a huge burden of guilt" for current environmental problems. ("The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis," p. 1206) His brief article became the focal point of discussion among historians, scientists, and environmentalists. In 1980, Carolyn Merchant developed a more detailed account of the historical roots of our ecological crisis in The Death of Nature.

For this (three-page double-space) essay, consider Merchant's discussion of the role that Christianity played in the views of nature that emerged during the medieval and early modern periods. Does she agree with White's thesis? If so, how does she extend and support his thesis? Or does she disagree with White's thesis? If so, how does she challenge or complicate his historical account? You might consider how Merchant and White view the relative importance of both Christians and pagans in developing our current view of the human place in nature. Bring 12 copies of the paper to our writing workshop on Wednesday, January 16.