Rereading Romans 8:18-23: The Subjection of Creation to Frustration in the Context of the Mandate in Genesis 1:28 & 2:15

Romans 8:18-23 presents a matrix of vertical and ethical dualism theology that underscores a paradoxical upheaval from the Genesis creation narrative. Here the cosmos created good by God and handed over to man suddenly becomes subjected to frustration (Rom 8:20) because of the fall. The aftermath from humanity’s mismanagement and destruction of the universe, creates a dissonance between God’s original plan for man and the universe.  The study underpins creation’s desire for freedom from the attendant decay and hopes in redemption from The Creator, while emphasising cosmic scope of salvation. It explores the significance of creation’s subjection to frustration, its implications for the eco-theology and the hope of the restoration of the cosmos. The methodology adopted for the study is canonical criticism and narrative exegesis of the text. Findings reveal that the mandate given to man to “subdue” the earth (Gen 1:28), “work” and to “take care” of the earth (Gen 2:15), has been misunderstood, abused, and misused resulting to the destruction of the ecology. The paper recommends that man should begin the process of restoring the destroyed universe that was beautifully designed and created by the benevolent God before the final restoration from the Creator at the Parousia. The study suggests a rereading and the right exegesis of the Hebrew words כׇּבַשׁ “to subdue” and רׇדׇה “to have dominion” in Genesis 1:28; and the Hebrew words עׇבַד “to tend” and שׇׁמַר “to keep” in Gen 2:15 so as to align with God’s original intent in order to begin the process of redeeming the universe from the destruction of the ecology, while looking forward for the eschatological redemption of the cosmos at the Parousia.