This week I came across this book review of a new IVP book called, Walking Gently on the Earth: Making Faithful Choices About Food, Energy, Shelter and More. This book is written by a mother and daughter team, and the daughter at least is has worked with the Church of Christ in Ghana.
The review points out that historically, many Christians were very concerned about being good stewards of the environment. In recent years, however, it has been the far left in the political stream that have called for care of the environment. And most Christians that I know definitely place this issue as a low priority. Jokes about tree huggers and Al Gore abound. Why is this?
First, there is the belief that issues like global warming are based upon false science. And the recent revelation that scientists were fixing the data in a massive scandal gives credence to this skepticism.
Second, I think that many Christians are concerned that the environment has become an idol and a god. And with pantheism on the rise, there are indeed some who literally worship the earth. And if the environment is not literally worshipped, concern for animals and trees is carried out to such a level that human considerations, such as jobs, are totally dismissed. And penalties are sometimes harsher for animal cruelty than for the 25% of husbands who beat their wives (a despicable practice).
Third, environmental care has become associated with political correctness. And let's face it, that can be irritating at times.
Fourth reason why a lot of Christians don't care a lot about the environmental issue--bad theology. Some take the approach that it is all going to burn anyway, so why bother? But Romans 8 and Rev 21-22 speak of creation being restored . . .
But I say all of this to say that I understand why many Christians have not taken up the environmental cause. But the reality is that Adam and Eve were given the charge to care for the earth--one of the handful of commands found in the first chapters of Genesis. And, thinking missionally, showing care and concern for environmental issues is a great way to connect with the large number of people in our culture--which includes a lot of younger and unchurched people--who care about this issue. Making a lot of jokes about tree hugging, environmental wackos, etc. on Facebook or in the workplace is therefore not too wise for those who want to be missionaries to this culture.
What are your thoughts? What approach should Christians take towards the environment biblically and to reach others?
Comment
appreciate the post...as a chemistry/earth science professor, stewardship of the earth is one thing I try to pass down to my students. It's a good way to connect faith and science.
I do agree that the earth is pretty resilient, but I think humans can affect the world and make conditions worse.
1) Care for the earth; but do not worship the things that are made --living or inert.
2) Use the care for the environment as a entry point of discussion for those that care about it --both "churched" and unchurched.
As we go and preach the Gospel and disciple new believers, we've found that it's good to teach some basic care of God's creation -- especially principles like not throwing litter and garbage on the ground, and proper and sanitary disposal of human waste. Also, I agree with the statement that we need to be cautious of derogoroty "tree-hugger" jokes that could close people off to us as individuals, and as ambassadors for Christ. We need to be good and faithful stewards of our own homes, and properties, and local communities -- and not be wasteful and selfish -- but most of all, we need to care for people.
Greg, I am sure that your treat your dog with care, as your love and gentleness is evident in all that you do.
As to the earth being resilient, I have heard this too. In fact, I have heard it said that we are arrogant to think that as humans we could destroy the earth's balance. The earth may indeed be resilient. But I wonder, is the thought that we would have to be arrogant to believe that we could affect the earth's balance accurate?
Certainly rivers and streams can be destroyed by people. We could blow the earth up with nuclear weapons that would pretty well destroy much of the earth. I'm not sure about the arrogance argument that some take. Your thoughts?
The word that comes to my mind is "balance." I love my dog. She is family. My neighbor once said that when he dies, he wants to come back to this life (he doesn't really believe in reincarnation) as "Greg Ziegler's dog". He was referencing how I treat Evie :). I also hunt deer and eat beef and believe that is a God-given blessing and part of my dna makeup as a hunter/gatherer.
I am extremely skeptical about any global warming. I believe the earth has been created to be extremely resilient...and yet I am for lower exhaust emissions and not dumping waste into rivers and oceans, etc.
I believe in balance. Not callous mediocrity, but balance. Not indifference, but balance.
James, I think you're right about the "humor." I love sarcasm and dry humor. But I also think humor can open a large can of worms when used inexpediently. And cutting remarks that aren't born of humorous origins are usually simply reactionary. Human, but not very helpful.
Blessings throughout your day, bro.
gz
Oh yeah. A fourth reason why a lot of Christians don't care a lot about the environmental issue--bad theology. Some take the approach that it is all going to burn anyway, so why bother? But Romans 8 and Rev 21-22 speak of creation being restored . . .
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