Journal: Pneumatikos
Volume: PNEUMATIKOS 15:2 (Fall 2024)
Article: 15-Minute Cities, Quixotic Or Chaotic? A Look At The Movement Towards Prototype Eco-Communities Through A Biblical Lens
Author: J. Morgan Arnold

Pneumatikos 15:2 (Fall 2024) p. 84

15-Minute Cities, Quixotic Or Chaotic? A Look At The Movement Towards Prototype Eco-Communities Through A Biblical Lens

J. Morgan Arnold

Chafer Theological Seminary
Gun Barrel City, Texas, USA

Keywords: 15-minute cities, 15mCs, urban engineering, urban planning, sustainable proximities, eco-communities, eco-villages

Abstract: COVID-19 caused the world to rethink how to conduct society. The pandemic served as the perfect petri dish for social engineers who desired more equitable cultural diversity between people and more biodiversity between humans and the environment. Subsequently, green-minded government officials and political activists stopped asking “What if?” and started asking “What’s stopping us?” Urbanist Carlos Moreno coined the term 15-minute cities to describe his plan to reset existing urban areas and build new communities so that the daily necessities of life, such as work, shopping, education, healthcare, and leisure, can easily be accessed by all of its citizens within a short walk or bike ride. Less car dependency, in their minds, promotes healthy and sustainable living and improves city dwellers’ well-being and quality of life. Though major cities worldwide have taken measures to move in this direction, unfortunately, these community leaders and societal architects have not sufficiently addressed or answered major questions from functional, ethical, and biblical standpoints.

Pneumatikos 15:2 (Fall 2024) p. 85

However, wise counsel is available to them from God’s Word. The Bible contains two narratives of past attempts by man (Gen. 6 and 9) to build idyllic societies devoid of God and shows the catastrophic ramifications of such efforts. The Bible gives instructions for all present Christians to be at peace with all men, if possible (Rom. 12:18), and to be model citizens in a community (Rom. 13). The Bible also prophetically warns of two future occasions (Rev. 19:21; 20:9) when men will once again attempt to usurp God and rule the world, only to discover their foolish desires will lead to their fatal destruction.

While the projected societal “ends” are lauded by proponents as worthy, the proposed and actual means are not justifiable. They will lead to increased government regulations and the sacrifice of civil liberties. Without acknowledging God or revering what is contained in His Word, these self-contained communities cannot function well over time on a practical, sociological, or ethical level and wi...