Introduction
The integration of environmental, geopolitical, medical, and scientific theology with the missional task is essential for Christians to fulfill their God-given role as stewards of creation and agents of His transformative work on Earth. These disciplines are not peripheral but central to understanding God’s redemptive plan, which encompasses all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, and societal. Despite their importance, many Christians exhibit apathy toward these areas, often due to theological misunderstandings, cultural influences, or a narrow focus on salvation. This lack of engagement hinders the Church’s ability to address pressing global challenges like climate change, health crises, and geopolitical conflicts through a biblical lens. By exploring seven key reasons for this apathy, supported by scripture, this article aims to inspire a holistic theological approach, equipping believers to embrace their missional calling comprehensively.
1. Theological Priorities and Limited Understanding
Many Christians prioritize core doctrines like salvation and eschatology over environmental, geopolitical, medical, and scientific theology, often due to a limited understanding of how these disciplines connect to the mission of God in the world. This stems from educational gaps in churches and seminaries, where curricula may focus heavily on traditional theology while sidelining interdisciplinary studies. Hosea 4:6 warns, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” underscoring the need for comprehensive theological education that integrates these fields. Without such knowledge, believers may fail to see their role in stewarding creation (Genesis 1:28), addressing geopolitical tensions, or advancing medical ethics biblically. This disconnect can weaken the Church’s witness in a world facing complex challenges. Resources like Bible and Ecology by Richard Bauckham (2010) emphasize that creation care is a biblical mandate, not an optional pursuit. By fostering interdisciplinary learning, churches can bridge this gap, equipping Christians to engage holistically with God’s world. Pastors and educators must prioritize teaching that highlights the interconnectedness of theology with environmental, medical, and scientific concerns, empowering believers to fulfill their missional calling as stewards who reflect God’s redemptive love in every sphere of life.
2. Fear of Secular Influences
Fear of adopting secular perspectives often deters Christians from engaging deeply with environmental, medical, and scientific theology. Romans 12:2 urges believers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” prompting some to avoid these disciplines, perceiving them as potentially compromising to faith. This apprehension can stem from a misunderstanding that science or environmentalism inherently opposes Christian doctrine. This fear may lead to isolation, limiting the Church’s ability to address global issues biblically. However, integrating faith with science can strengthen Christian witness, as seen in works like Creation: Remarkable Evidence of God’s Design by Grant Jeffrey (2003), or God and Design: The Teleological Argument and Modern Science, edited by Neil A. Manson (2003), which compiles essays from scientists and philosophers exploring the design argument in light of contemporary scientific findings. Churches must teach discernment, showing believers how to engage these fields without compromising their faith, using theology to inform scientific inquiry. By integrating biblical principles with environmental and medical ethics, Christians can counter secular narratives while contributing to God’s redemptive work. Educational initiatives that highlight compatibility, such as seminars on faith and science, can dispel fears, encouraging believers to embrace these disciplines as part of their missional task, thus enhancing their impact in a world desperate for hope and truth.
3. Perceived Irrelevance Compared to Salvation Message
Some Christians view environmental, medical, and scientific theology as irrelevant to the core message of salvation, focusing solely on spiritual redemption. This view overlooks the biblical mandate for stewardship, as seen in Genesis 2:15, where God places Adam in the Garden to “cultivate and keep it.” Caring for creation, promoting health, and advancing ethical science align with the Gospel’s holistic restoration of all things. Academic works like Creation Care by Douglas and Jonathan Moo (2018) argue that stewardship is integral to God’s redemptive plan, not peripheral. This misconception can lead to apathy, as believers prioritize evangelism over addressing physical needs. Churches must teach that salvation encompasses both spiritual and material renewal, encouraging engagement with these disciplines. By teaching that stewardship reflects God’s redemptive work, churches can shift perspectives, encouraging Christians to see these disciplines as vital to the missional task and the Apostle Paul’s expression of God’s eternal purpose of reconciliation: “through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:20. (Yes, the Greek uses a word in this verse emphasizing “all things” not people alone). And also, by connecting environmental care and medical ethics to the missional task, Christians can see their relevance to God’s kingdom. Sermons and Bible studies that emphasize holistic redemption – meaning God’s plan to renew the entire creation, not just people (Isaiah 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13) – can shift perspectives, equipping believers to address global challenges like climate change and health disparities as actions of faith, thereby fulfilling their role as stewards of God’s creation which also opens doors for a gospel-centered witness.
4. Overemphasis on Spiritual vs. Material Concerns
Certain theological traditions overemphasize spiritual concerns, sidelining material issues like environmental care and medical ethics. James 2:14-17 challenges this dichotomy: “Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead,” highlighting that faith must address physical needs. This overemphasis on the spiritual can lead Christians to neglect their role in stewarding creation or promoting health, viewing these as secondary to spiritual salvation. Studies in Theology Today (2019) advocate for a holistic theology that integrates material and spiritual aspects, reflecting God’s love for all creation. By prioritizing only spiritual matters, believers may miss opportunities to demonstrate faith through action, weakening their missional impact. Churches must teach that caring for the environment and human well-being is a biblical mandate, as seen in God’s care for creation (Psalm 24:1). Discipleship programs that emphasize practical engagement can bridge this gap, encouraging Christians to address material needs as an expression of faith and a context for gospel witness. By integrating theology with action, believers can fulfill their missional calling, reflecting God’s redemptive love in both spiritual and physical realms.
5. Lack of Discipleship Emphasizing Holistic Engagement
Inadequate discipleship often fails to emphasize holistic engagement, leaving Christians unaware of their responsibilities in environmental, geopolitical, medical, and scientific theology. Matthew 28:19-20 commands disciples to observe all Jesus taught, including stewardship and care for others. Without comprehensive training, believers may overlook how these disciplines align with the missional task. Resources like Introducing Evangelical Ecotheology: Foundations in scripture, theology, history, and praxis by Brunner et al. (2014) highlight the need for robust discipleship that integrates these areas. Many churches focus on personal piety or evangelism, neglecting broader issues like climate change or medical ethics. This gap leaves Christians ill-equipped to address global challenges biblically. Churches must develop curricula that teach the interconnectedness of theology with environmental and scientific concerns, fostering a holistic worldview. Small groups, sermons, and workshops can equip believers to engage actively, ensuring the missional task encompasses all aspects of God’s creation. By prioritizing holistic discipleship, churches can empower Christians to steward creation faithfully, addressing societal needs, and sharing the gospel message of reconciliation, each as part of their calling to advance God’s kingdom in every sphere of life.
6. Globalization of Apathy
Cultural apathy toward environmental, geopolitical, and scientific issues can permeate the Church, leading Christians to conform to societal indifference rather than counter it. Romans 12:2 urges believers to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind,” resisting worldly norms. This globalization of apathy, noted in Journal of Religious Ethics (2020), can hinder proactive engagement, as Christians adopt a passive stance toward global challenges. Instead of addressing climate change or health disparities, some conform to cultural norms that prioritize convenience over responsibility. Churches must foster a countercultural mindset, teaching believers to view these issues through a biblical lens. Sermons and community initiatives that highlight stewardship and God’s righteousness can inspire action, countering apathy. By emphasizing the biblical call to care for creation (Genesis 1:28) and love neighbors (Mark 12:31), Christians can resist societal indifference. Engaging with these disciplines as part of the missional task empowers believers to advance God’s kingdom, transforming culture through active, faith-driven stewardship in environmental, medical, and geopolitical spheres.
7. Short-Term Focus and Crisis Management
Many Christians prioritize short-term issues and crisis management over long-term strategies in environmental, medical, and scientific theology, contributing to apathy. Proverbs 27:12 states, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it,” advocating for foresight and proactive engagement. A crisis-driven, reactive mindset may lead believers to address immediate problems while neglecting preventive measures like sustainable practices or ethical medical advancements. Earthkeeping in the Nineties by Loren Wilkinson (1991) emphasizes long-term stewardship as a biblical principle. Churches must teach the importance of planning for sustainability and health, integrating theological insights into proactive strategies. By focusing only on urgent needs, Christians may miss opportunities to address systemic issues like climate change or public health ethically. Educational programs and sermons that emphasize biblical foresight can shift this mindset, equipping believers to plan strategically. This approach aligns with the missional task, enabling Christians to address global challenges before they escalate, fulfilling their role as wise stewards of God’s creation with lasting impact.
Conclusion
Addressing Christian apathy toward environmental, geopolitical, medical, and scientific theology requires a transformative approach to theological education that integrates these disciplines with the missional task. By grounding engagement in biblical mandates like Genesis 2:15 and Romans 12:2, churches can inspire believers to embrace their role as stewards of God’s creation. Comprehensive discipleship programs, informed by resources like Creation Care and Bible and Ecology, can equip Christians to tackle global challenges such as climate change and health crises through a faith-based lens. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of these fields with the Gospel fosters a holistic mission, enabling believers to actively contribute to God’s redemptive work. By cultivating a countercultural mindset and long-term vision, the Church can overcome apathy, empowering Christians to fulfill their calling as agents of transformation in every sphere of life.
Sources
- Bauckham, R. (2010). Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation. Baylor University Press.
- Jeffrey, Grant (2003). Creation: Remarkable Evidence of God’s Design. PRH Christian Publishing.
- Manson, Neil, ed. (2003). God and Design: The Teleological Argument and Modern Science. Routledge
- Moo, D. J., & Moo, J. A. (2018). Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World. Zondervan.
- Brunner, D. L., Butler, J. L., & Swoboda, A. J. (2014). Introducing Evangelical Ecotheology: Foundations in Scripture, Theology, History, and Praxis. Baker Academic.
- Wilkinson, L. (1991). Earthkeeping in the Nineties: Stewardship of Creation. Eerdmans.
- Theology Today. (2019). Volume 76, Issue 2. Princeton Theological Seminary.
- Journal of Religious Ethics. (2020). Volume 48, Issue 3. Wiley.
Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice. Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.
