A Christian's Perspective on the Environment
A leading mistake made by drivers is overcorrection. Defined, this means, “To adjust too much in attempting to offset an error” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). If the driver is not careful, while one accident is avoided, another occurs because the reaction is too strong. This is not limited to driving!
The environmentalist movement has taken a prominent place in U.S. culture. Politicians seek to spend billions of dollars to “save the earth,” while activist groups create disruptions to draw attention to the cause. For the most ardent supporters, the environmental movement has become a religion. In a speech recently given by actor Mark Ruffalo, he stated, “The good news is inclusion and justice and care for Mother Earth is breaking out everywhere. The godly light of decency is breaking through the hideous, dark storm we’ve been living through.” The religious tones are unmistakable.
For Christians, it is easy to look at the direction of environmentalism and overcorrect. Disgusted with grandstanding politicians and condescending celebrities, it is easy to write off the whole idea. However, this is not the answer. The reason Christians should care about the environment is found on the very first page of the Bible: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The earth is the embodiment of God’s genius and the testament to His creativity. To disrespect His creation is to disrespect Him. Another reason is God’s purpose in creating humankind: “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” (Genesis 1:28). God has given humankind the honor of partnering with Him; He has made them stewards over the earth!
Christians do not protect the environment for faulty motives; they care for it because of their God-appointed role and their love for the God who created all. This idea is clearly expressed in an old hymn written by Maltbie Babcock:
This is my Father’s World:
The Birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
May each child of God express their awe for the Creator of this world and through this appreciation long for the day when they will be at home with Him in the new heavens and earth where righteousness dwells (II Peter 3:13).
