Climate issues and caring for our planet have become hot button issues recently. We’ve had at least one notable politician step far out on a limb and say that she would seriously question having kids right now because of the course we have put the planet on. I believe that is an example of over-dramatization of the current state of the Earth and is partially a plea for headlines, but it prompts the discussion of caring for the Earth. We can engage in meaningful conversation without praising that over-dramatization. As Christians, we should not shy away from such discussions.

In Romans 1:25, Paul contends that humanity tends to worship and serve created things rather than the Creator. Consider the word “creation.” Creation demands a creator. Not just a moment of beginning or origin, but a guided beginning.

As Christians, we believe that caring for creation is just one way to worship God, but it is important to be thoughtful about how the world views environmental stewardship, as well.

The secular worldview as it pertains to this topic is an interesting one. If one consistently believes in naturalism, then there is no concrete basis for an obligation to take care of this planet. Let me explain. Naturalism, by definition, is the belief that nature is all there is. No supernatural. No mind, being, god, creator behind the Earth’s existence. According to this belief, we are here by accident. If that is the case, then why not let the strong eat the weak? That is Darwinism. And according to Darwinism, that is why we are here. “Survival of the fittest” is inevitably better because it ensures we have a planet with more strong species and less weak species. There is no obligation to take care of weaker species of plants and animals in the Darwinism or Naturalism worldview. We are the stronger species and if a few species of plants or animals go by the wayside as a result of us extending our dominance, then so be it.

Well, it can’t be that — can it? Just worrying about ourselves because we are the stronger species and that is it? Surely secular people and religious people agree that that feels a bit empty.

Ah, but for the Biblical worldview, there is a concrete basis for the obligation to care for this planet. One of the very first commands God gives humanity is the obligation to work the Earth and keep it. He also commands that we not pollute it. He gives humans the unique dominion over Earth and everything herein. There is, in fact, a hierarchy within creation. We are above all of creation, yet all are beneath the Creator. First, we have a set of obligations to Him, then to creation, as well.

As for most issues dealing with the problems of the world, we discover that the answer is not “less God” or “less religion”, but it is actually diving more into what is true in the Christian faith. It is not subjective like the changing of the wind. It has been written and on paper for thousands of years. While people’s opinions change often and sometimes drastically, this truth has endured.

The secular argument:
• “It’s true because we say it’s true.”
• “It’s true because we see it’s true with our eyes what many people around the world don’t see. And in many other periods in human history – they didn’t either.”
• “It’s true because we are smarter than others.”

That’s hardly a concrete or objective basis for the obligation to care for the Earth. And to the person standing within earshot, you wouldn’t blame him if he thought that it was somewhat self-righteous. This is the product of you being in a certain time or place. And not a basis that transcends all of time and every place.

This is not to suggest that secular groups and individuals should neglect to care for the Earth – of course not! We welcome a joined effort in caring for creation together. My point is to make the case that Christian belief based on the Bible has always had an objective, concrete, foundational basis for the obligation to care for the Earth. As we consider the world and how we work within it, we see that so many people who deny Christ, or a creator of any kind for that matter, share many good, common interests. This is a product of common grace.

In contrast, the Biblical basis is completely unselfish. By caring for the Earth, “we” are taken out of it. It’s not about us. It’s not even about the planet or the future generations or the animals or the plants. Ultimately, while it involves us, it is about a blending of worship and obedience to God.

As you read John’s epistle, Jesus constantly calls us under His authority just as He is under the Father’s authority. As God’s preeminent creation, humans have the unique honor to have dominion, to work, and to protect the Earth. It is certainly a Christian duty. This distinct responsibility knows no partisanship and is guided by a Divine hierarchy resulting in a rightly ordered placement of values.

I also don’t mean to suggest that the secular motivation is without value. Caring for the Earth has intrinsic value. The benefits are manifold. What secular motivation lacks is context and meaning — obligation. The Bible’s story isn’t less than the world’s, but we believe it is much more. It means that if we have the idea of preserving and improving the Earth, then it is not a focus on self and it’s not how others are just “behind the times” or on the “wrong side of history”, etc. It’s easy to see how that can puff oneself up and marginalize others who don’t believe the exact same things as you.

Lastly, no honest discussion from the Biblical worldview could take place without considering the hope that the Christian has in this world and for this world. The Bible tells a story of a world that is broken — both the Earth itself and we that reside here — but Christ is coming back to redeem us and the ground beneath us. Until then, we have the beautiful duty to worship God, our Creator, and also steward His good creation while standing on a firm foundation.