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Climate Change as a Crisis of Faith: A Theological Exploration of Creation Care

Relating Climate Change to the Mission of God

Climate change stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, manifesting not only as an environmental crisis but also as a profound spiritual and moral dilemma. For Christians, the degradation of the environment signifies a breach in our divine mandate to steward God’s creation responsibly. This article delves into the theological and missional underpinnings of creation care, examining how environmental neglect reflects deeper spiritual failings and proposing a faith-driven response to ecological challenges.

 

Understanding Creation Care

Creation care is an integral aspect of the Christian mission to join God at work in the world, emphasizing humanity’s responsibility to nurture and protect the environment as a reflection of our relationship with God and His continued sustaining work in nature. Rooted in the belief that God appointed humans as stewards of the Earth, this concept intertwines theological and ethical imperatives, highlighting the interconnectedness of worship, work, and witness about God’s creation. Peter Harris, in his work “Towards a Missiology of Caring for Creation,” asserts that creation care should be viewed as a fundamental element of a biblically authentic mission agenda.

 

Biblical Foundations for Environmental Stewardship

The Scriptures provide a robust foundation for environmental stewardship, beginning with the creation narrative in Genesis. God’s declaration that creation is “very good” (Genesis 1:31) underscores the inherent value of the natural world. Humanity’s role is further clarified in Genesis 2:15, where God places Adam in the Garden of Eden “to work it and take care of it,” signifying a divine entrustment of stewardship.

However, the advent of sin disrupted this harmony, introducing decay and corruption into creation. The Apostle Paul reflects on this in Romans 8:20-22, describing how creation waits in eager expectation for liberation from its bondage to decay. This passage highlights that environmental degradation is not merely a physical issue but also a spiritual one, intricately linked to humanity’s fallen state.

 

Climate Change: A Spiritual and Ethical Crisis

Ultimately climate change constitutes a spiritual and ethical issue, because our environmental problems are deeply rooted in human moral failings. Our ecological crisis is a reflection of our spiritual crisis, where the exploitation of nature mirrors the exploitation of people, both of which are rooted in human sinfulness. Thus Christians should recognize that caring for the environment is not optional but central to living out our faith.

Climate change is one of the principal challenges facing humanity, with grave implications for the common good. We are called to a renewed sense of responsibility, where ecological concern is integrated into our spiritual and moral framework.

The Interconnectedness of All Creation

The Christian doctrine of creation emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life. This interconnectedness implies that harm to the environment inevitably leads to harm to humanity, particularly the most vulnerable populations. The Wayuu people in Colombia’s La Guajira region, for instance, face severe water scarcity and food insecurity due to prolonged droughts exacerbated by climate change. Their plight underscores the direct impact environmental degradation has on human communities, challenging Christians to respond with compassion and justice.

A Call to Transformative Action

Addressing climate change requires a transformative approach that goes beyond scientific and political solutions, delving into the spiritual renewal of individuals and communities. Christians are called to embody a lifestyle that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, prioritizing sustainability, simplicity, and stewardship.

 

Practical Steps for Christians in Creation Care

  1. Educate and Advocate: Christians should educate themselves and others about environmental issues, integrating creation care into church teachings and community discussions. Advocacy for policies that protect the environment aligns with the biblical call to justice.
  2. Sustainable Living: Adopting sustainable practices in daily life, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly products, reflects a commitment to stewardship.
  3. Support Affected Communities: Engaging with and supporting communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation demonstrates Christ-like compassion and solidarity.
  4. Prayer and Worship: Incorporating creation-related prayers and hymns into worship services can deepen the congregation’s connection to environmental stewardship.

 

Conclusion

Climate change, viewed through a theological lens, reveals a crisis of faith where humanity has neglected its God-given role as stewards of creation. Recognizing environmental degradation as a spiritual and moral issue compels Christians to respond with repentance, renewed commitment, a gospel-centered witness, and actionable steps towards restoration. Embracing creation care not only honors God but also ensures the flourishing of all His creation for generations to come.

 

Sources

  • Harris, P. “Towards a Missiology of Caring for Creation.” in Evangelical Review of Theology. (2010) 34:3, 220-232   
  • Moo, D., Moo, J. Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World. Zondervan Academic, 2018.
  • Moo, J., White, R. Let Creation Rejoice: Biblical Hope and Ecological Crisis. IVP Academic.
  • Valencia, I., Grattan, S.  “Droughts, floods and economic uncertainty: Portraits of the Wayuu people in northern Colombia.” in APNews, February 21, 2025.

 

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