Relating Biblical Theology to Creation Care in the Mission of God
Creation care is more than an environmental concern; it is a theological mandate rooted in Scripture. From the opening chapters of Genesis to the prophetic visions of Revelation, the Bible reveals a divine call for humanity to steward the earth. In this blog post, we will explore the biblical narrative of human-environment relationships, tracing its progression from Eden to the ecological challenges we face today. By understanding this journey, we can reconnect with our sacred responsibility to care for God’s creation in ways that honor both Scripture and the Creator.
Genesis: The Beginning of Stewardship
The Bible’s narrative begins in the Garden of Eden, a place of harmony and abundance. In Genesis 1:26-28, humanity is created in God’s image and given dominion over the earth. This dominion, however, is not a license for exploitation but a call to stewardship. The Hebrew word “radah,” often translated as “dominion,” actually carries the connotation of responsible management and care.
Genesis 2:15 further clarifies this role: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” The verbs “work” (“abod”) and “keep” (“shamar”) imply both cultivation and preservation, emphasizing a balance between using resources and maintaining their integrity.
In simple terms, we are called to cultivate and tend to God’s creation.
The Fall: Disruption of Harmony
The Fall of humanity in Genesis 3 introduces sin into the world, disrupting the harmony between humans and creation. The ground is cursed (Genesis 3:17-19), and humanity’s relationship with the environment becomes one of toil and struggle. This brokenness extends to all creation, as Paul later reflects in Romans 8:20-22, describing creation’s groaning for redemption.
Despite this fracture, God’s covenant with Noah in Genesis 9 reaffirms His care for all living creatures in the world post-Fall. The rainbow that God sent Noah symbolizes a promise not just to humanity but to “every living creature of all flesh” (Genesis 9:15). This covenant underscores God’s ongoing commitment to the flourishing of creation.
Israel’s Laws: A Framework for Environmental Ethics
The Mosaic Law provides a framework for living in ‘right relationship’ with God, others, and the land. Leviticus 25 outlines the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee – two practices that allow the land to rest and rejuvenate. These laws reflect an understanding that the earth belongs to God (Leviticus 25:23) and must be treated with respect.
Deuteronomy 20:19-20 prohibits the unnecessary destruction of trees during warfare, illustrating an early ethic of conservation. The Psalms, too, celebrate the beauty and provision of creation, declaring, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1).
The Prophets: Calling Out Injustice Against Creation
The Biblical prophets frequently link environmental degradation to spiritual and social injustice. Jeremiah laments the desolation of the land due to human sin (Jeremiah 12:4), while Isaiah envisions a future where creation flourishes under God’s reign (Isaiah 11:6-9).
Ezekiel 34 condemns Israel’s leaders for failing to care for the land and the people, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and social stewardship. These prophetic messages remind us that neglecting creation care is often symptomatic of broader issues of injustice and disobedience.
Jesus and Creation: The Kingdom Vision
Jesus’ ministry reflects a profound awareness of creation’s significance. He frequently uses agricultural metaphors and nature imagery to teach spiritual truths, from the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23) to the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-30).
In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul describes Jesus as the agent of creation and its ultimate reconciler: “For in him all things were created…and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven.” This Christocentric vision affirms that creation care is integral to the Gospel.
The Early Church: Living in Community with Creation
The early church modeled a communal lifestyle that valued simplicity and sharing. Acts 4:32-35 describes believers holding possessions in common and ensuring no one was in need. This ethic of generosity extends to creation, as it reflects a recognition of God’s provision and a commitment to equitable resource use.
The New Testament also anticipates the renewal of creation. Revelation 21-22 depicts a restored heaven and earth where the curse is lifted, and the Tree of Life provides healing for the nations. This eschatological hope inspires us to live as faithful stewards in anticipation of God’s ultimate restoration. This is a view of heaven where we are not whisked off to live in the clouds, but where God’s Kingdom is established here on earth.
Modern Challenges: Environmental Crisis and Theological Responses
Today, we face unprecedented ecological challenges, including climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. These crises call for a renewed commitment to creation care grounded in biblical principles.
The Lausanne Movement’s Cape Town Commitment (2010) emphasizes the integral relationship between evangelism and environmental stewardship. It states, “We cannot claim to love God while abusing what belongs to Christ by right of creation, redemption, and inheritance.” This declaration echoes the biblical mandate to care for creation as an act of worship and obedience.
Key Theological Concepts for Creation Care
- Imago Dei (Image of God): As bearers of God’s image, humans are called to reflect His character, including His care for creation.
- Stewardship: Biblical stewardship involves managing God’s resources wisely and sustainably (1 Corinthians 4:2).
- Shalom: The biblical concept of shalom encompasses harmony and flourishing for all creation, not just humanity.
- Redemption: God’s redemptive plan includes the renewal of creation, underscoring its value and purpose (Romans 8:21).
Practical Steps for Faithful Stewardship
- Educate: Learn about environmental issues and their theological implications.
- Advocate: Support policies and initiatives that promote sustainability and justice.
- Act Locally: Practice sustainable living through actions like recycling, reducing waste, and conserving energy.
- Engage the Church: Encourage your faith community to incorporate creation care into your worship, teaching, and outreach.
- Pray: Seek God’s guidance and strength to live as faithful stewards of His creation.
Conclusion
From Eden to now, the biblical narrative reveals a consistent call for humanity to care for God’s creation. This journey challenges us to view creation care not as an optional activity but as a core aspect of our faith. By grounding our environmental ethics in Scripture, we can respond to contemporary ecological challenges with wisdom, humility, and hope. Let us embrace our role as stewards, joining in God’s redemptive work to restore His creation for His glory and the good of all.
Sources
- The Holy Bible, ESV.
- Lausanne Movement, The Cape Town Commitment, 2010. Read it here
- Missional University, Creation Care resources.
- Moo, D.J.; Moo, J.A, and Bauckham, R. 2018 Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World (Biblical Theology for Life). Zondervan
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