Turning

Face-to-Face with Limobius Mixtus

Abstract

This article elaborates on the themes of creativity, compassion and new forms of relating in regard to human encounters with nature. The example of an endangered weevil, Limobius mixtus, is put forward to argue that the loss of biodiversity results in the diminishment of God. Emmanuel Levinas’ use of the image of ‘the face’ that comes from ‘height’, Martin Buber’s philosophy of ‘I and Thou’ and feminist theological writing on the breakdown of relationship are all employed in the weaving of a theological tapestry. Sin is defined as the failure to observe one of the ‘least’, such as the weevil. Our motives in desiring repaired relationships with nature are additionally scrutinised. It is suggested that to be creative, compassionate and to desire right relationships with nature promote a dynamic which ultimately preserves the life of God.