Environmental Debates and the Bible

Most people probably agree that we should be concerned about the conservation of our resources, pollution and the global environment. But disagreements over the causes, consequences and solutions for those problems often become intense. So it comes as no surprise that today environmental controversies are increasing.

I've been a nature lover ever since my years as a Boy Scout when I spent a great deal of time in the woods. Also, my wife and I have had a pretty "earth-friendly" and "green" lifestyle for most of our lives. But we are careful not to turn our environmentally friendly behavior into people unfriendly attitudes.

Most people probably agree that we should be concerned about the conservation of our resources, pollution and the global environment. But disagreements over the causes, consequences and solutions for those problems often become intense. So it comes as no surprise that today environmental controversies are increasing.

One of those controversies is over the Bible's influence on the environment. Some environmentalists are attaching part of the blame for the earth's environmental problems on both the teachings of the Bible and on those who believe its teachings.

The first chapter of Romans describes the human tendency to adopt such beliefs once the Creator's teachings are rejected, explaining: "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator" (Romans 1:25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
See All..., NIV). Human nature doesn't change!

Bible rejecting environmentalists generally have one thing in common, an unshakeable belief in evolution. Naturally then their belief that the Bible fails to show any real concern for non-human life is consistent with their worldview. But those who sincerely believe that accusation have not read "the Book," at least not carefully!

The Bible declares emphatically that all things were made by God. Therefore He is the owner with supreme authority (Psalm 24:1(A Psalm of David.) The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
See All...). As the Creator He has concern for His creation (see Psalm 104).

It's true that we humans are God's greatest concern (Luke 12:7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
See All...). We are uniquely created "in the image of God"—having both intellect and spiritual potential beyond that of even the most intelligent animals (Genesis 1:26-27 [26] And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
[27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

See All...). God's desire and plan is to transform humankind—all willing to follow his ways—into the eternal "children of God" (Romans 8:16-21 [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
[17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
[19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
[20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
[21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

See All...; Hebrews 2:11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
See All...).

The Bible clearly shows that the earth was created for man's benefit —to be used constructively (not for abuse). God said, "fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion [supervision] over...every living thing" (Genesis 1:28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
See All...). Today some critics of the Bible claim that this verse gives man license to greedily consume and wastefully plunder all of the earth's resources.

Not so!

"Subdue" carries the positive meaning of maintaining, controlling and managing—such as when we mow the grass, prune trees and pull weeds. We are supposed to treat the whole world as God's garden, to be His gardeners or stewards "to tend and keep it" (Genesis 2:15And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
See All...). God has instructed us to take care of our nest—for His honor and for our own sake. He is very environmentally motivated.

There are many earth-friendly teachings in the Bible. Not being wasteful is one (Proverbs 12:27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
See All...). Not practicing cruelty to animals is another (Proverbs 12:10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
See All...). Another is the law of land rest for rejuvenating the soil (Leviticus 25). Many more environmentally friendly scriptures could be added to these.

The best news in the Bible is about the future. When Jesus Christ returns to the earth He will become the Leader in bringing about the "restoration of all things"—including the environment (Acts 3:21Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
See All...). He will restore the very best conditions for life of earth!

God's Word gives a truly encouraging understanding of the past, present and future.