What are our Christian responsibilities about the environment?
Discussion question for April 2, 2010.
Environmentalism can describe concern for the environment, and conservationism may be similar. How should we respond as Christians? What does God request or require of us in managing this planet? How do our decisions impact our present and future expectations? What should this look like in our everyday lives?
Here’s my summary of our discussion.
God created in man stewardship responsibility over the earth. In Genesis 2:15 it says we are to “work it and keep it” and in Genesis 1:28 it says we were given the authority to do so. This is an important role, and it’s not optional.
This responsibility was given to Adam before the curse of sin (Genesis 3:17), and since that time the Biblical record says that the land and animals suffer because of man’s sin. So, God has given us meaningful participation in managing the earth and we will reap the consequences of our actions.
Environmental stewardship has historically been marked by greed and selfishness (mankind’s sinful condition). This can be seen by the scars left by strip mining, pollution in drainage systems, and accumulated waste on land and sea. The current trend to manage this stewardship by legislation (domestic and global) seems to be rooted in selfishness and fear. The possibility of these motives makes it difficult for Christians to wholeheartedly support those efforts.
Part of our responsibility is to take care of our immediate environment as God intended, and to pass those values on to our children. We are also called to influence our community with love and respect. The way we live our life should accurately reflect our alignment with God’s character – respectfully caring for His wealth and providing out of generosity for those unable to provide for themselves.
There are popularized terms being used in the media such as “green”, “sustainable”, and “eco-friendly”. As Christians we should learn about our impact and authority so we can partner with those that have shared values of working and keeping the earth. We also need to be aware that popular terms like this can be used for marketing buzz and may be prompted by greed or fear more than love and life.
In our everyday life we should care for everything entrusted to us and share with those that are less fortunate. If we can take an active role in that responsibility, then we can influence our political system rather than just be controlled by it.