The real 'green deal

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-7-2024

Abstract

Taking Scripture as a complete system of truth, this paper will present a “creation care” position as an alternate to current often-political policies presently on the mainstream media. Scripture opens with a major “theology of life”. The Creator’s pleasure is mentioned several times with “God saw that it was good.” The tasks assigned to the new humans at that time were to “serve” and to “protect” the earth,implying that human activity includes creation care. And the “creation care” mandate has never been rescinded. The Scripture record closes in the book of Revelation with the created order being again honored by being divinely restored. Bible writers in both testaments have a very “worldly attitude,” recognizing that service and worship of God includes extolling His affection for this place! Jesus often referred to creation, and fully enjoyed it Himself. No wonder the prophets record divine laments over thedegradation of His “real estate”—for human sinfulness has affected all creation. Even humans resent borrowed books or loaned possessions returned broken. A survey of Scripture from the first book of Genesis to the concluding chapters of the final book ofRevelation provides impressive instruction concerning the created world—including the animals and the land itself—with a reverence for all life. Biblical creation care instruction is not a political issue, but instead a grander motivation to care for this “nest” we’ve been divinely entrusted with. Moreover, since we are created in God’s image, our stewardship might be expected to involve some sort of correspondencewith that of the Creator’s—rejoicing in and protecting this divinely created world.

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