Adam cried bitterly: Ecotheology in the lives of urban Malawians

Abstract

This article explores how urban Malawians construct moral and theological meaning of waste and how these constructions shape environmental practices, in densely populated areas of Blantyre. Challenging the assumption that environmental behaviour can be improved primarily through education, the study argues that moral action is grounded in contextual ‘immanent logics’ shaped by lived experience, social realities and religious belief. Drawing on interdisciplinary collaboration between theologians and environmental researchers, the project builds on earlier social-scientific studies of the problematisation of waste. It incorporates a second round of interviews to probe theological interpretations. Findings show that Christian frameworks play a significant role in shaping respondents’ understanding of waste, human responsibility and environmental order. Most participants interpret waste not as part of God’s original creation but because of human sin and misuse of otherwise good materials, often framed through narratives related to Genesis. Contrary to expectations, charismatic motifs such as spiritual warfare or divine healing were absent. Instead, respondents’ reasoning more closely reflected a wisdom-theology framework emphasising divine order, human responsibility and the moral contrast between peace and chaos. Eschatological beliefs, including anticipation of Christ’s return, were present but integrated into this broader moral logic rather than producing environmental disengagement.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article concludes that environmental interventions in similar contexts are more likely to succeed when they engage existing theological narratives rather than relying solely on technical education. Framing ecological practices as participation in God’s created order and wisdom may resonate more deeply with local moral reasoning and encourage sustainable behavioural change.