What does the Bible say about environmental stewardship?
What are our Biblical responsibilities and our proper attitude toward caring for God's good creation?
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Asked June 20 2017
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Debra Grannemann
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
In my opinion, the Bible strikes a proper balance with respect to humans' attitude toward the environment. On the one hand, the Bible makes clear that all natural resources did not just "appear", but have been created and provided by God (Genesis 1:1-2:9), and that He has appointed humans as stewards over them (Genesis 2:15), for which they have a responsibility to Him. As such, those assets are not simply to be recklessly depleted or damaged, but used wisely for the maximum benefit of all, and with a consciousness of the needs of future generations. On the other hand, while those assets are important, they are things that God has provided for humanity's use for His glory and purposes, and are not in and of themselves in any way "holy" or "divine", to be worshipped (as with the "earth goddess" Gaia, for example); placed on a par with their Creator; or regarded as of greater priority than genuine human needs, just as financial resources are not to be squandered or hoarded, or to take the place of God (Matthew 25:14-30; Matthew 6:19-21, 24).
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