However, all religions agree that the creation is an act of God and should be treated as such. While protecting the environment is certainly a worthwhile endeavor, the Bible makes it clear that nature, as we know it, has changed considerably since it was given to us in Eden. Local: 704-401-2432 Should Christians Work to Protect the Environment? God asked all humans to be stewards of the environment in Genesis 1:28, when he said to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and … Concerned about global warming? After all, the Bible was written well over 1,000 years ago–and not in English. Matt Chandler: Here’s Why Lent Still Matters. When God created the world it was perfect—but then sin, like a deadly sickness, invaded the universe, and with it came every type of evil and natural disaster. Billy Graham’s Answer, Into Science? God Is Creator! One such belief is founded on God’s promise for our future. Sound familiar? Get free sermon MP3s, devotionals, blog content and more. A: Yes, God certainly does care about the way we treat the earth. A All creatures of God constitute a community in relationship. God has given man the task of caring for and protecting His creation on the earth. It’s no wonder that Christians as a whole have been the slowest to become environmentally responsible. After careful reading of the Bible, I found relevant ve… A preacher…, Feel like you need a makeover? Spiritual leaders at all levels are critical to the success of the global solidarity for an ethical, moral and spiritual commitment to protect the environment and God’s creation. In addition, the world is constantly damaged by the sins of human selfishness and greed. Environmentalists are correct in saying that mankind should consider and address environmental concerns. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal … Christians hold to God’s promise of a renewed earth.3In the book of Revelation, the consummation of God’s plan for humanity is described as a renewed heaven and a renewed earth. Genti (5/3/2010) from eastern europe, Albania “ Great Sermon! Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California. Contact Us. The Bible says that those who destroy God's creation will be judged and destroyed themselves. A scriptural perspective of nature needs to include the fact that today's balance of nature, even in those "pristine" areas, has lost the harmony of its original state. We are to enjoy it but not worship it. In addition, the world is constantly damaged by the sins of human selfishness and greed. Are we in danger of destroying the world? BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. To get to that answer, let me share a truth that’s made a huge difference in my life and the lives of my family members. By God and the Environment (February 1999) February 1999 Volume 8, Number 2 Environmental concerns are a top priority to many people these days, and some environmentalists fell Christians are a chief cause of ecological ruin. We can distort and pervert and misapply this design, which certainly has been warped by our sin, but our consciences still speak in this regard. We hear regularly that this tradition authorises the exploitation of the earth through the language in Genesis about "having dominion" over the non-human creation. People argue about global warming, the unequal treatment and rights of all species, and even whether the whole environment debate itself is overblown. Then, the Bible says, “the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay” (Romans 8:21). April 22, 2020 The Greening of Faith: God, the Environment, and the Good Life $32.00 Only 1 left in stock - order soon. Policies & Procedures. And I brought you into a plentiful land to enjoy its fruits and … God & the Environment Environmentalists and their politically progressive allies have long dismissed conservative evangelical Christians as repressive moralists and industry apologists. What I discovered is that we as Christians ought to be the most environmentally conscious people in all of the Earth since we believe in the God who created it. Understanding this difference will shape a Christian’s view of environmentalism. After speaking of God as Creator of heaven and earth and of all that is seen and unseen (325), it then goes on to speak of the angelic order, and finally of the visible world. “ The New Message from God emphasizes that the world’s environment must be preserved and well cared for if humanity is to have a future. "Community" and "relationship" are "in words" in current environmental and creational discussions. The environment is his creation, a precious and holy resource with which he entrusted all humans the loving care and wise use of. The Quran refers to natural phenomena numerous times and compels readers to ponder over the environment as a reflection of the truth - … So what does it look like to live in light of this truth? Learn More >>, Copyright © Living on the Edge. We must manage the environment not simply for our own benefit but for God′s glory. There are few topics that I’ve ever encountered that cause as much controversy and polarizing opinions as the environment. But until that day, you and I are called to be good stewards of the world God created. The original “Extreme Makeover” has over the last decade spawned countless spinoffs and copy-cats—some you probably don’t…, Living on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. The Bible declares God's pleasure in His creation and His care for all the created things on the earth - both plants and animals. Just like a painting tells you a lot about its artist, so the earth tells us about its Creator. After God created Adam, the first human, the Bible says He “took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). It just uses different words. Thank you so much, sir, for reminding me just Who is in charge here.   •   Topics: Science. Certainly, God did not give man the authority to degrade and destroy His earth. The material world matters to God; He sustains it all the time. I know I can. It fulfills the Great Commandments to love God and love what God loves. In it, we will learn more about what God has to say about the environment and about other polarizing issues such as abortion, sex and homosexuality. Ask God to guide you as you choose your major—and if He leads you into this field, ask Him to help you work to make the world a better place, for His glory. Someday God will intervene; Christ will return and all these evils will be destroyed. Since the days of the early church, followers of Jesus Christ have known this remarkable teaching of Colossians 1:15-20, and for centuries prior to the Incarnation, God had also been affirmed as Creator. Living on the Edge. My prayer is that during our time together we’ll discover the power of bringing God’s light – not heat – to the core issues of today. I feel ashamed that I have allowed myself to get so caught up in the world's concern about the environment. This means we’re to explore the earth but not exploit it. For if this is not done, humanity will decline, human conflict will escalate and human deprivation and suffering will increase dramatically. The weather, plants, and animals are all part of the environment God created on the Earth. In light and wind, in land and water, energy resources are abundant gifts for human well-being from our creator God. Earth Day: Does God Care About the Environment? Join our email list. This week, we’re starting the series Culture Shock. Someday God will intervene; Christ will return and all these evils will be destroyed. The Bible is clear that the earth and everything in it was given by God to man to rule over and subdue. This isn’t a trick question: What’s the second most important thing about you? If you go to BibleGateway and search the New Revised Standard Version for “environment,” it returns 0 results. More particularly, human beings are understood as part of an increasingly interconnected global community. All rights reserved. He created it, and He has entrusted its care to us. This answer explains. We can start by focusing on the main issues such as clean air, water, productivity and progress with constraints for conservation, eliminating waste and recycling, with each person doing their own part. God built several major chemical cycles into our planet earth home. When I consult my NRSV Bible, I’m reading a translation of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. "He is before all things, and in … We’ll learn how we can respond to others about these issues and communicate our convictions in such a way that it reflects God’s own heart. If we don’t take care of the environment, who will? This means that we are to use the earth, but not abuse it. Privacy An extreme makeover, perhaps? 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