Christian Stewardship Applied to Environmental Issues!

Should Christians become environmentalists? The hypocrisy and ideology-driven exaggerations of some environmentalists is not only flagrant, but justifiably repulsive. This is especially evident among their celebrities and champions who live in utter opulence. For instance, Al Gore’s gigantic Nashville home consumed twenty times more electricity than the national average before it was eco-renovated (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca; http://abcnews.go.com). In lunging grabs for a modicum of sincerity, celebrity environmentalists routinely cover their carbon footprint through carbon offsetting (http://www.wayoflife.org). However, such compensations for luxurious lifestyles only highlight their duplicity. Yet, they call on others to do what they will not. According to Wendell Berry’s, “In Distrust of Movements,” many environmentalists are not willing to make the radical changes themselves (Miller & Wiener, 2009, p. 331). In addition, Pearce acknowledged that some ‘green’ claims are unsubstantiated by science (http://e360.yale.edu). While a Christian cannot endorse distortions, they should pursue sound stewardship practices. According to Scripture, Christian stewards should make wise use of natural resources, properly engage in specific actions to preserve nature, and seek to restore the environment within their areas of influence. Through these approaches, they can chart authentic courses of environmental stewardship that please the Creator.

First consider some biblical arguments for stewardship relative to the earth and nature. According to the Judeo-Christian worldview, God is Creator and Sustainer of the world (http://thechristianwatershed.com). Genesis chapters one and two unequivocally teach that God created the universe; Colossians 1:16-18, relate that Jesus Christ is the Creator. The Apostle Paul, said, “by him [Christ] all things consist” (Col. 1:17, King James Version); Jesus holds the universe together. MacArthur (1997), a prolific Bible commentator, stated, “Christ sustains the universe, maintaining the power and balance necessary to life’s existence and continuity….” In this connection, God appointed humanity to be His stewards of the earth (Gen. 1:26-31; 2:15). The Wycliffe Bible Commentary affirms, “He [Adam] was to be God’s responsible representative and steward on the earth, to work out his Creator’s will and fulfill the divine purpose. World dominion was to be granted to this new creature (cf. Ps 8:5-7). He was commissioned to subdue (kābash, “tread upon”) the earth, and to follow God’s plan in filling it with people” (Pfeiffer, 1962, p.4). Man is to serve God as productive care takers—industriously maintaining order, living off the land, and wisely using the earth’s resources free of any abuses. MacDonald and Farstad (1995, p.33) concluded, “The modern crises in the earth’s environment are due to man’s greed, selfishness, and carelessness.” This divine mandate has never been rescinded and God clearly wove it into the fabric of Israel’s laws (Lev. 25:1-7; 26:32-36; II Chron. 36:20-21). The Creator expects people to sensibly manage their areas of influence; this necessitates developing, utilizing, restoring, and preserving initiatives. He is pleased with “good and faithful” stewardship (Matt. 25:14-30).

Yet, in spite of this biblical clarity, many evangelical Christians remain ambivalent on ‘green issues.’ No doubt the double standards and overstatements of certain environmentalists raise legitimate objections. But Christians resist this idea for other reasons as well. Some say the work of the church is to spread the gospel; it is not extreme environmental activism. While the Great Commission shapes the church’s mission, it is not the only mandate for individual Christians. Good and faithful stewardship of all resources and opportunities is required of all believers. Other Christians object because they do not want to be perceived as ‘green’ radical tree-huggers or as New Agers who worship creation. While their concern is understandable, the biblical mandate remains. F. L. Fisher (1984, Stewardship) said, “The requirement of stewards of God, as well as of stewards of men, is faithfulness, i.e., administration of trust according to directions.” Devotion to the gospel, clarification of one’s position, and biblical motivations will distinguish believers from irrational ideologues. Then some would suggest it is a waist to preserve the environment since Christians are going to heaven. These fail to realize that God sustains and preserves the world and calls believers to live in concert with Him. God does not engage in wasteful pursuits. Grudem’s (1994, pp. 659-660) Systematic Theology declares:

The common grace of God in the intellectual realm also results in the ability …to experience growth in knowledge that can be used in the investigation of the universe and the task of subduing the earth. This means that science and technology carried out by non-Christians is a result of common grace, allowing them to make incredible discoveries and inventions, to develop the earth’s resources into many material goods, to produce and distribute those resources, and to have skill in their productive work. In a practical sense this means that every time we walk into a grocery store or ride in an automobile or enter a house we should remember that we are experiencing the results of the abundant common grace of God poured out richly on all mankind.

When the biblical teachings on stewardship, common grace, and God’s providence are rightly understood, Christians will more freely participate in His sustaining purpose.

Having addressed these major objections, it is necessary to explore how Christians can practice environmental stewardship. Weider and Gutierrez, in their book Consider, wrote, “…Christians should be leading the charge as environmentalists and animal rights activists while at the same time appropriately reaping the benefits of earth for its natural resources and animals for food” (2011, p. 58). Obviously this involves approaches that are developmental, restorative, and preserving within their own areas of influence. Dr. Henry Morris (1976, pp. 76-77), founder of the Creation Research Society and the Institute for Creation Research said,

The problem is, of course, that man has failed in his stewardship. Instead of using the earth for good, under God, he has denied God and abused his stewardship. This primeval commission [Gen. 1:26] has never been abrogated—man is still under its obligations. The scientific and technological enterprises still comprise God’s mandate to man relative to the earth and its inhabitants, and man would find himself immeasurably more productive and effective in such pursuits if he would only approach them in the reverent and believing attitude of an honest and good servant of his Maker. 

Within the context of their homes, Christians can make wise use of utilities like water, heating oil, electricity, and gas. By reducing usage, avoiding waist, employing more efficient appliances, and refusing some luxuries, they can not only reduce their utility expenses, but satisfy some stewardship obligations. Christian professionals can also pioneer the development of industries that are comprehensively ‘green.’ Innovations like wind turbines, hydroelectricity, solar power systems, fuel efficient engines, economical heating furnaces, and clean coal stand in need of significant research and development. Furthermore, Christians can restore and preserve their environment. By recycling, adopting a highway to clean up, disposing of harmful chemicals properly, and planting trees, one can preserve nature. Also gardening, rediscovering domestic arts (Muller & Wiener, 2009, p. 336), disposing of used auto fluids properly, and choosing a simpler lifestyle are helpful ways to restore and preserve ones living environment. Many of these initiatives can be executed in the average home. Accordingly, this writer does not advocate massive organizations, ‘green’ movements, or global legislative bodies. According to Wendell Berry, such organizations are hypocritical and self-defeating (Muller & Wiener, 2009, pp. 331-333). Each believer should analyze their realm of influence and become a faithful environmental steward unto the Lord.

While one cannot condone the misrepresentations and hypocrisies of some environmentalists, the matter of managing God’s creation is still mandatory. The goal is not rallying churches to establish ‘green ministries’ resulting in distractions to the Great Commission. Establishing a ‘Christian’ environmentalist movement is not the focus either. However, individual believers can wisely use natural resources, seek restorative measures in their environment, and undertake particular actions to preserve nature in their own sphere of influence. Their motivations are stewardship, obedience, and the glory of God. Concerning environmentalist’s propaganda, ignore it; Christians are ultimately accountable to God and His truth. Practice good and faithful stewardship to please Him.