ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Theology
Written By Baily McDaniel

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT TAKING CARE OF THE EARTH?

city with pollution

Key Facts

  • Christian environmentalism is not increasing, and there are signs it is actually in decline according to new research done at Indiana University. [1]

  • At the world’s current rates, 5-10% of tropical forest species will become extinct every decade. [2]

  • About 17.6 billion pounds of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year. [3]

  • 40% of the world’s bird species are in decline, and 1 in 8 is threatened with global extinction. [4]

  • According to satellite data, tropical forests are being destroyed at a rate of about 8 million hectares (31,000 square miles) a year — an area equivalent in size to the state of South Carolina or the Czech Republic. [5]

Key Scriptures

  • Genesis 1:28 “God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it…”

  • Psalm 50:10 “For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills.”

  • Colossians 1:16-17 “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

  • Deuteronomy 10:14 “Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it.”

  • Psalm 8:1 “O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!” 

woman picking up trash at the beach

Application

One study concluded that Christians are growing less concerned about the effects of consumerism on the planet. [6] Christians from across the political spectrum and from all over the world will disagree on how to properly view the environment as well as the degree to which mankind affects it. There are many outstanding concerns related to human effects on the environment. Some of these include deforestation, climate change, pollution, and the expansive use of single-use plastics. While certain questions of climate change are unclear, certain realities of human consumerism are affecting the earth negatively. How should Christians approach such issues?

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible teaches Christians to take responsibility for the care of the earth (Gen. 1:28). In the Garden of Eden, humans were commanded to work the land and to subdue the earth. However, the Bible also states that the earth and everything in it belongs to God (Psalm 50:10). Humankind has a God-given responsibility to care for the earth—not because it is our own, but because it ultimately belongs to God. Therefore, the principle of stewardship should govern how we approach our responsibility for the wellbeing of God’s earth.

Creation is not to be worshiped, but respected (Rom. 1:19-25). There is a balance between disregarding care for the earth and emphasizing care for the earth as higher than care for others or worshipping it as a god. Creation should never be an idol in the Christian life. It finds its proper place after the most important biblical command to love God and love others (Mark 12:30-31).

What Should Christians Do?

Christian involvement in environmental matters may look different for each person. Those in differing careers and socioeconomic positions may have more or less power to effect change. Nevertheless, Christians have a responsibility to environmental stewardship no matter the position they are in. How we participate may differ, but Christian attitudes towards the environment should not. Christians should be unified in recognizing that the environment is important, and humans have some responsibility for its condition.

There are many ethical dilemmas that are raised when one attempts to care for the earth. For example, the question of balance between economic wellbeing and the use of environmental resources may surface. We should be careful to not betray people for the sake of the environment. One example of this is the claim that abortion is necessary to prevent overpopulation. Environmental issues are important, but human life is of more value than the environment (Matt. 6:26). Christians should look to the Bible and godly council to discern how to prioritize the environment in relation to other issues. 

As Christians consider their role in caring for the environment, love for one another should be our guiding factor. The Bible calls us to love one another (John 13:34) and is one of the highest biblical commands for Christians (Matt. 22:36-40). It is incredibly important to show this love through care of the earth and consideration for the generations to follow.

In the end, Christians can disagree without resentment as these dilemmas are not clearly addressed in Scripture. It is important that we cultivate a place for dialogue as Christians seek truth together. 

polluted city

Conclusion

The call for Christians to care for the environment begins in Genesis and is sustained throughout the Bible. Care for the environment is ultimately rooted in our love for God and others and should spur us to care for God’s creation and for the health of society. The environment directly affects the wellbeing of those around us, and that alone should motivate Christians to treat it well. While the value of the environment should never be elevated above our love for God or others, it should still be an important part of the Christian life.

Baily McDaniel
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