The article highlights the often-overlooked topic of creation care within the church and emphasizes the Christian responsibility to address environmental issues like global warming. It references Lynn White Jr.’s 1960s article, which criticizes the belief that nature exists solely to serve humans and argues that this mindset contributes to the ecological crisis. Recently, 204 students and alumni from Christian colleges urged their leadership to prioritize creation care, underscoring the need for the church to recognize the Earth as God’s creation.
The article suggests that the Biblical concept of dominion should be understood as stewardship, not exploitation, and stresses that environmental problems are also human rights issues affecting vulnerable populations, particularly in developing countries. It introduces the concept of “Reconciliation Ecology,” which focuses on restoring the relationship between humanity and nature and addresses social justice aspects of environmental problems.
The article concludes by asserting that Christians should shift their mindset from dominance to stewardship and actively work towards restoring the balance between humanity and the Earth, which has been disrupted by the Fall. In taking action collectively, communities can pursue true ecological restoration while fulfilling their duty to care for creation.
