MODULE 8 – ESSAY 3
DEGREE PROGRAM THEOLOGY/TURABIAN
PRESENTED TO
PROFESSOR KEVIN HARTLESS
FOR
ENGL 101 – D09
BY
REV. JOSEPH T. WHITAKER, III
LU23755920
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
LYNCHBURG, VA
AUGUST 11, 2015 2
Christian Environmental Responsibility The Holy Bible gives clear instructions concerning the natural environment and the Christian’s sacred duty to preserve and restore the planet Earth. God has provided direct instructions as well as guidelines in principle, for all Christians to obey and honor. The question arises, what conduct and actions are imperative and biblically mandated for Christians to engage in concerning the environment and its preservation and restoration? Research reveals that God requires mankind to contribute as caretakers and stewards over His wonderful creation.
The Reason for Christian Environmentalism The dictionary definition for environmentalism is expressed as: “Advocacy of the preservation, restoration, or improvement of the natural environment; especially: the movement to control pollution.” The primary foundational reason for the practice of environmentalism is, because of the universal pollution inflicted upon all of creation as a result and consequence of mankind’s Original Sin. The fallen angel Satan introduced sin into the universe in his rebellion against God; and the first human parents, Adam and Eve contaminated all of mankind in their sin and rebellion against God. Those dreadful actions committed by Satan and Adam and Eve resulted in the pronouncement of God’s curse upon the earth; exhibiting spiritual and physical death and eternal separation from God. This grave disaster implemented the decay and pollution of the environment; thereby necessitating human participation in arresting and reversing environmental contamination. The environmentalist principles reflected in the Bible encourage mankind to engage in the earth’s healthy preservation and healing. 3 Various authors have helped to shed light upon the subject of the duty and responsibility of Christians to be actively involved in the well-being of the environment. Dan Story writes: God permitted the human race to use nature for our own purposes, but with the understanding that nature belongs to Him and people are His caretakers. People do not have carte blanche to use nature for their own consumption without any regard for the environment and wild creatures. Sadly, even though this truth is clearly taught in Scripture, Christians have generally been reluctant to get involved in confronting environmental issues…
This perceived lack of human understanding about God’s will concerning the stewardship assigned to mankind over creation has practical and eternal consequences. God’s word reflects, “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged…and shouldest destroy them that destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:18). Certainly, to “destroy the earth” is to pollute the environment, spiritually and physically. God will surely hold everyone accountable for their role in the preservation and restoration of earth’s environment. God further explains, “The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth…The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.” (Isaiah 24:4-6). The author Lynne Gibson shares about the foundational beliefs of Christians in relation to the earth, and outlines several of the duties of believers as God-appointed stewards. Gibson also emphasizes the fact and reality that there is certainly coming a day of judgment, at which, every person will stand before God and explain their action or inaction in relation to creation. Gibson also offers examples 4 of how a person can participate in the practice of Christian environmentalism. “Some of the things they might do include disposing of litter properly, recycling rubbish and only buying products which are packaged using biodegradable material.” The author Alistair Young states, “We need structural solutions: solutions that involve social arrangements to constrain individual agency so as to protect the environment.” Authors Kathryn D. Blanchard and Kevin J. O’Brien, express that concern should be given to animals in a wise manner, and that energy sources should also be prudently orchestrated. The safe handling of toxins is imperative. Environmentalism should be conducted in such a way that reflects the love of God. Certainly, any practice that can sincerely contribute to the health of the environment is appreciated. However, when it comes to Christian environmentalism, special and unique considerations must be understood and implemented. The Christian community does give the appearance of overtly struggling with spiritual concepts relative to environmental qualification. The author Willis Jenkins expresses, “Christian communities struggle to talk about life on earth and life with God. That is not a new problem; the tensions of worldly life and Christian life generate enduring discussions for Christian ethics.” Bible believing Christians know about and understand the biblical teaching that the Lord Jesus Christ is going to return to earth and set-up His kingdom for a thousand year period of time. It is understood that during Christ’s reign, He will restore the earth to its pristine, glory of the Garden of Eden. That biblical fact and promised 5 reality is a strong reason why many Christians are not zealous to engage in any form of environmentalism. Since God is going to completely restore the earth and remove every trace of physical and spiritual pollution, many Christians do not see any necessary motivation to be involved with the preservation and restoration of earth. However, the Bible does encourage contemporary participation in helping the earth be as clean and safe and productive as humanly possible.
God’ Balanced Solution God reveals himself through the general revelation of his creation; especially mankind, who are the crown of his creation. To ignore the problem of environmentalism is in essence blatant disrespect for the creator. It is apparent that Christian environmentalism expresses true love and concern and a deep respect for God. The author, Steven H. Hayward shares: The relationship between man and nature is hardly a secondary theme in Scripture. On the very first page in the book of Genesis, the Bible teaches our responsibility over our natural environment. Christian faith has always been closely involved with current political and social issues…In part, this represents working out in real time the implications of Christ’s enigmatic counsel to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to render unto God what is God’s.
God wonderfully comforts and encourages: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death…Behold I make all things new…And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God…In the midst of the street…was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse…(Revelation 21:4-5; 22:1-3).
6
Bibliography
Blanchard, Kathryn D and Kevin J. O’Brian. An Introduction to Christian Environmentalism: Ecology, Virtue, and Ethics. (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2014).
Gibson, Lynn. Modern World Religions: Christianity. (Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Publishers, 2002).
Harris, Muriel and Jennifer Kunka. Prentice Hal Reference Guide. 9th ed. (Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2015).
Hayward, Steven H. Mere Environmentalism: A Biblical Perspective on Humans and the Natural World. (Washington, DC: AEI Press, 2011).
Jenkins, Willis. Ecologies of Grace: Environmental Ethics and Christian Theology. (New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2008).
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. 11th ed. (Springfield, MA).
Muller, Gilbert H and Harry S. Wiener. To the Point: Reading and Writing Short Arguments. 2nd ed. (Boston, MA: Pearson, 2009).
Story, Dan. Should Christians Be Environmentalists? (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2012).
Young, Alister. Environment, Economy and Christian Ethics: Alternative Views on Christians and Markets. (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2015).
OUTLINE FOR ESSAY 3
The subject of my essay will consider the question of what conduct and actions are imperative and biblically mandated for Christians to engage in concerning the environment and its preservation and restoration?
Thesis: Research will reveal that there are very clear directives mandated in Scripture that require Christians to contribute in the preservation and restoration of the world that God has created. 1. Christian environmentalism is examined in the light of Scripture. 2. The reasons for Christian Environmentalism are outlined. 3. Various authors are explored on the subject of environmentalism.
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[ 1 ]. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary – Eleventh Edition. Springfield, MA
[ 2 ]. Genesis 2:8-16; 3:1-19; Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Romans 5:12-21; 8:18-23; Ephesians 2:1-10 King James AV
[ 3 ]. Dan Story. Should Christians be Environmentalists? (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2012), 18.
[ 4 ]. Lynne Gibson. Modern World Religions: Christianity. (Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Publishers, 2002), 50.
[ 5 ]. Alistair Young. Environment, Economy, and Christian Ethics: Alternative Views on Christians and Markets. (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2015), 221.
[ 6 ]. Kathryn D. Blanchard and Kevin J. O’Brien. An Introduction to Christian Environmentalism: Ecology, Virtue, and Ethics. (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2014).
[ 7 ]. Willis Jenkins. Ecologies of Grace: Environmental Ethics and Christian Theology. (New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2008), 3.
[ 8 ]. Steven H. Hayward. Mere Environmentalism: A Biblical Perspective on Humans and the Natural World. (Washington, DC: AEI Press, 2011), 3.
