THE CALL TO NINEVEH: AN EXISTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ODYSSEY OF JONAH THROUGH SYMBOLS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.4030Keywords:
Book of Jonah, Existential Environmentalism, Ecocriticism, Existentialism, Symbols, Names, Numerology, ObjectsAbstract [English]
The Book of Jonah, a distinctive text within the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament in the Bible, differs from conventional prophetic literature by presenting a narrative centered on repentance, divine mercy, and ecological consciousness. This study employs an existential-ecocritical approach—termed existential environmentalism—which integrates existential philosophy, concerned with individual existence and choice, with ecocriticism, which examines literature’s engagement with environmental concerns. By synthesising these theoretical perspectives, the analysis reveals a meaningful exploration of the interplay between divine command, human resistance, natural phenomena, and communal transformation.
This research examines the symbolic and structural elements of the Book of Jonah, including its use of names, objects, and numerology, to elucidate its philosophical and ecological dimensions. The study posits that existential environmentalism, as an intersection of existential thought and ecological ethics, demonstrates how ancient wisdom traditions—particularly those emphasising repentance and renewal—offer valuable insights for addressing contemporary environmental crises. Additionally, it highlights the interconnection between individual agency, spiritual growth, and ecological responsibility as fundamental to a sustainable and meaningful human existence.The findings suggest that the environmental crisis is fundamentally an existential crisis, requiring both individual transformation and collective action. Through Jonah’s journey, it becomes clear that genuine spiritual awakening necessitates environmental awareness and that freedom entails ecological responsibility. Existential environmentalism renders the Book of Jonah remarkably relevant to contemporary environmental discourse.
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