Creation care advocates make much use of Scripture, often in insightful ways. They have written extensively about such major Biblical issues as the dominion mandate (Genesis 1:26-28), Adam’s role as cultivator and keeper of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15), the effect of sin on the Earth and man’s relationship with other creatures and the ground itself (Genesis 3), God’s ultimate ownership of the Earth (Psalm 24:1) over which He has given man stewardship (Psalm 115:16), the wonder we should feel toward creation (Job 38-41; Psalm 104), and the inclusion of creation in Christ’s redemptive work (Romans 8:19-23; Colossians 1:15-18).
They have effectively refuted, by use of Scripture, various charges by non-Christian environmentalists that Christianity is to blame for environmental degradation or that human dominion over the Earth justifies misuse of ecosystems. As good as much of their use of Scripture is, however, some evangelical environmentalists misuse particular passages to bolster unrelated ideas, thus illegitimately importing Biblical moral authority onto agendas that are at best debatable and often contrary to Scripture. It’s crucial for Christians who value Biblical Earth stewardship—what we call “godly dominion”—to recognize this and be able to respond constructively to it.
Where Garden Meets Wilderness: Evangelical Entry into the Environmental Debate, is a history and constructive critique of the creation care movement. To obtain your free copy, make an online tax-deductible donation during May and include a note in the comment field requesting it. Or to donate by mail, send your check to The Cornwall Alliance, 9302-C Old Keene Mill Rd., Burke, VA 22015, along with a written note requesting the book. For more information please see: http://www.cornwallalliance.org/newsletter/issue/newsletter-may-8-2013/
A coalition of clergy, theologians, religious leaders, scientists, academics, policy experts, and others, the Cornwall Alliance is committed to bringing a proper and balanced biblical view of stewardship to the critical issues of environment and development. The Cornwall Alliance has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in America and internationally on issues of religion and environment.