Journal of Christian Religious Studies

Ecosystem serves as a natural habitat for both humans and animals. Religious institution is an integral part of human society with the teaching that humankind is saddled with the responsibility environment should not be desecrated. The objective of the study is to investigate the role of religion in the proper care of human environment. As a problem, environmental degradation resulting from indiscriminate defecation, refuse disposal, and felling of trees without replacement, poor waste management, dumping of wastes in public spaces, waterways, residential areas and worship centres to blockage of drainages, floods and destruction of lives and properties; improper usage of chemical substances causing major damage to the environment are witnessed in Jos metropolis. The study employed a Stewardship Theory to investigate the debasing status of environment and its implications on inhabitants. Findings show that there is indiscriminate defecation and dumping of wastes especially in public places with no adequate drainage systems. Religious organisations do not campaign for sanitation and tree planting. The work concludes that care for the environment is sacrosanct to human thriving. The research recommends that religious bodies should ensure adherents practice their beliefs and values in everyday life for a sterile environment and healthy living. Incinerators should be built in institutions and public places. Government should make budget for tree planting and ensure supervision against deforestation, indiscriminate defecation and dumping of refuse among other recommendations.

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