Do Christians Care for the Environment?

A Calling to Steward God’s Creation

I’ve been interested in environmental theology for years. Every day, I see more signs that our Earth needs help. The ice caps are melting. The air in big cities is getting dirty. Our beautiful coral reefs are dying.

These big problems can feel scary. But I have good news to share! More and more Christians are working hard to protect the Earth that God made.

Some people ask me, “Should Christians really care about the environment?” I hear this question a lot in my church and classroom. Some Christians think taking care of nature isn’t part of their faith. Others believe it’s one of their most important jobs.

I’ve spent years studying what the Bible says about this. I can tell you with confidence that God wants us to care for His creation. The Bible makes this very clear.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it”
Psalm 24:1, NIV

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In this blog post, I’ll share what I’ve learned from my research and teaching. We’ll look at what the Bible really says about taking care of nature.

I’ll explain why some Christians get confused about this topic. Most importantly, I’ll show you how you can help protect God’s creation and stay true to your faith.

Biblical Foundations of Environmental Care

At the heart of the Christian faith lies a profound reverence for God’s creation. In the opening chapters of the Bible, we see God meticulously crafting the heavens and the earth. He carefully shapes each plant, animal, and natural wonder. And when He steps back to survey His handiwork, the Creator declares it “very good” (Genesis 1:31).

This fundamental truth – that God cares deeply about His creation – is echoed throughout Scripture. The Psalmist, for instance, extols the Lord’s love for the natural world. He wrote, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1).

And in the book of Romans, the apostle Paul describes all of creation as “groaning” under the weight of sin. This is as it is eagerly awaiting the day when it will be restored and redeemed (Romans 8:19-22).

But God’s love for creation isn’t just a passive appreciation; it’s a call to action. In the very first chapter of the Bible, God commands the first humans to “fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). This isn’t a license to exploit and destroy; rather, it’s a mandate to steward and care for the natural world as faithful managers of God’s resources.

As image-bearers of the divine, we humans have a unique responsibility to reflect God’s character in our relationship with the earth. We are called to be good stewards, not reckless consumers. This means using the earth’s resources responsibly and protecting fragile ecosystems. Its also finding sustainable ways to meet our needs without compromising the delicate balance of God’s creation.

Misconceptions Among Christians

Unfortunately, not all Christians have embraced this biblical call to environmental stewardship. Over the years, some have misinterpreted the Genesis account. They believe that it gives them free reign to dominate and exploit the natural world for their own gain.

Others have even gone so far as to claim that caring for the environment is at odds with their Christian faith. They argue that the world is doomed to destruction anyway.

These misconceptions couldn’t be further from the truth. As we’ve seen, the Bible is clear that creation is a precious gift, meant to be cherished and cared for, not abused and discarded.

And while it’s true that the Scriptures speak of a “new heavens and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1). This future hope doesn’t negate our responsibility to tend to the world we currently inhabit.

After all, we truly believe that God has entrusted us with the care of His creation. Then we must act accordingly – not with a sense of apathy or resignation, but with a deep, abiding commitment to being good stewards of the earth.

The Hope for Creation’s Restoration

As Christians, we don’t just have a responsibility to care for the environment; we have a profound hope that drives us to do so. You see, the Bible doesn’t just speak of a future where the earth is destroyed and replaced. It speaks of a future where creation is redeemed and restored to its original, untarnished glory.

In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul writes that “the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed” (Romans 8:19). He goes on to say that all of creation has been “subjected to frustration” and “in bondage to decay” as a result of sin. But that it will one day be “liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:20-21).

This incredible promise of restoration should fill us with a sense of hope and urgency. Just as God has a plan to redeem and restore humanity, He also has a plan to redeem and restore His creation. And as His image-bearers, we have the privilege and responsibility of being part of that redemptive work.

Living in Harmony with Creation

So, what does it look like to live as stewards of God’s creation in the here and now? It starts with a shift in mindset – from seeing the earth as a disposable resource to be exploited, to seeing it as a precious gift to be cared for and protected.

This means making changes in our daily lives- reducing our carbon footprint, conserving water and energy, supporting sustainable practices and advocating for environmental policies that honor God’s creation. But it also means recognizing that our role as stewards is not just about preserving the status quo. It’s about cultivating and improving the world around us in ways that bring glory to God.

After all, the ultimate purpose of creation is not just to meet our needs, but to reflect the glory of the Creator. When we care for the earth in ways that honor and uplift God, we are participating in a grand, cosmic act of worship. We’re declaring to the world that the God we serve is a God who delights in His handiwork, and who calls us to be partners in preserving and restoring it.

Practical Ways to Care for the Environment

So, what are some practical ways that Christians can get involved in environmental stewardship? Here are a few ideas:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Implementing recycling programs, minimizing waste. Also finding creative ways to reuse resources can have a significant impact on the health of our planet.
2. Conserve Water and Energy: Simple actions like fixing leaks and using energy-efficient appliances. Turning off lights when not in use can go a long way in reducing your environmental footprint.
3. Support Sustainable Practices: Choosing products and services from companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing can send a powerful message and encourage more eco-friendly business practices.
4. Plant Trees and Native Plants: Participating in or organizing tree-planting events. This helps restore ecosystems and improve air quality. Cultivating native plants supports local wildlife.
5. Advocate for Environmental Policies: Engaging in local and national discussions about environmental legislation. This can inspire responsible governance and better stewardship of natural resources.
6. Educate Others: Share knowledge about environmental issues within your church community. This can inspire collective action and deepen the understanding of creation care as a spiritual practice.
7. Participate in Clean-Up Activities: Join local clean-up efforts at parks, beaches, or rivers. This fosters community involvement and enhances the beauty and health of our shared natural spaces.
8. Practice Sustainable Gardening: Growing gardens using organic methods reduces chemical runoff. It also promotes biodiversity, while also providing a tangible connection to the land.
9. Use Public Transport or Carpool. Reducing reliance on personal vehicles decreases carbon emissions and traffic congestion. This contributes to a more sustainable transportation infrastructure.
10. Support Local Farmers: Buying locally sourced food reduces transportation emissions. It also supports community economies, while also promoting more environmentally-friendly agricultural practices.

By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can fulfill our calling as stewards of God’s creation. It can also reflect our commitment to environmental care as an expression of our faith.

Key Takeaways

• God Cares About His Creation. The Bible clearly establishes that God values and loves the natural world. He calls us as Christians to be good stewards of His creation.
• We Have a Responsibility to Steward the Earth. As image-bearers of God, we have a unique calling to manage and care for the earth in a way that brings glory to the Creator.
• Christian Hope Fuels Environmental Stewardship. The biblical promise of a future where creation is restored and redeemed should inspire us to work towards that vision in the present.
• Practical Actions Make a Difference. There are many tangible ways Christians can get involved in environmental stewardship. This ranges from reducing waste to advocating for sustainable policies.
• Environmental Care is an Act of Worship. When we care for the earth in ways that honor God, we are participating in a grand, cosmic act of worship that declares His glory and goodness.

Conclusion: The Call to Creation Care

As Christians, our response to environmental challenges should flow from our faith, not despite it. When we care for the environment, we demonstrate our love for God and our neighbor. We also fulfill our role as stewards, and participate in God’s ongoing work of renewal. The question isn’t whether Christians should care for the environment, it’s how we can better fulfill this sacred responsibility.

There was a pastor called James and his congregation whose journey of discovery led them to establish one of the first creation care ministries in their community. Today, they’re showing their neighbors that Christian faith and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. This proves that the answer to our opening question is a resounding “yes” – Christians do care for the environment, because our Creator cares for it first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Isn’t the world going to end anyway? Why should Christians care about the environment?

A. Yes the Bible does speak of a “new heavens and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1). But this future hope doesn’t negate our responsibility to care for the world we currently inhabit. In fact, the Scriptures make it clear that God loves His creation and wants us to be good stewards of it. As Christians, we are called to live in a way that reflects the restoration and redemption that is to come.

Q. Doesn’t the Bible give us dominion over the earth? Doesn’t that mean we can use it however we want?

A. The biblical concept of “dominion” does not mean unbridled exploitation. Rather, it refers to a responsibility to manage and care for the earth as faithful stewards of God’s resources. We are called to cultivate and improve the world around us in ways that bring glory to the Creator, not to ravage and destroy it for our own gain. Genesis 1:28 could be misinterpreted. It means:

God’s image bearers: Humans are created in God’s image and are designed to represent God to the world. 

• Care and responsibility: Humans should exercise dominion over the earth with care and responsibility, especially for the poor and marginalized. 
• Reflecting God’s character: Humans should exercise dominion in a way that reflects God’s character. 

Q. How can individual Christians make a difference when it comes to environmental issues?

A. While the challenges facing our planet can feel overwhelming, individual actions do matter. By making changes in our daily lives, such as reducing waste. Its also by conserving resources, and supporting sustainable practices. By doing this we can have a real positive impact on our environment. Additionally, engaging in community efforts, advocating for policy changes, and educating others. This can amplify our collective influence as Christians called to care for God’s creation.

Q. Isn’t environmentalism just a secular, political agenda? How can it be reconciled with Christian beliefs?

A. Environmental stewardship is not a secular or political agenda. it is a biblical mandate rooted in our responsibility to care for God’s creation. While political discussions and policies surrounding environmental issues can be complex, the call to be good stewards of the earth is a fundamental part of the Christian faith. By engaging with these issues through the lens of our faith, we can offer a unique and powerful perspective that honors the Creator and His handiwork.

Q. What are some specific ways that Christian teachings have influenced environmental policies and legislation?

A. Christian teachings on environmental stewardship have had a significant impact on public policy in various ways. For example, the moral imperative to care for creation has led to the adoption of sustainable development policies. The promotion of renewable energy initiatives, the strengthening of conservation efforts. Also the integration of environmental ethics into governmental frameworks. Additionally, Christian advocacy and community engagement have influenced legislation aimed at addressing climate change, protecting natural habitats, and encouraging ethical consumerism.