When it comes to caring for the environment, it seems that Christians have often taken an “all-or-nothing” approach. We argue that environmentalists have taken God out of the equation and disregarded the Bible’s teaching on mankind being created in the image of God. As a result, spotted owls, trees, lizards, and butterflies are seen as mankind’s equals and should be treated accordingly. I even recently read an article that discussed a group who is promoting human rights for chimps because they have similar personality traits as human beings. You can read this article here: http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/10/chimpanzees-not.html .
Many Christians have a strong negative reaction to this kind of thinking. Environmentalists are lumped in with atheists and we hear the common catchphrase “worship the Creator, not the creation.” Is it really a case of all-or-nothing? Can a person be concerned for the environment, even go to the point of taking actions to care for the environment, without worship nature? Not every environmentalist believes that trees (or lizards, butterflies, etc.) are as valuable as human lives. Some just think it might be a good idea to recycle the waste products that we can (i.e. paper, plastic, metal, etc.) or conserve water and electricity. Do Christians have a biblical responsibility to care for the environment? A good article to look at concerning a Christian view of the environment was recently published by Biola University. Read it at http://www.biola.edu/news/biolamag/articles/08fall/greening.cfm (thanks for the info Josh!).
I believe Christians can do a better job of being stewards of God’s creation. I also believe we have a biblical responsibility to do so. I mentioned a few ways above that we can help take care of our environment without worshiping it. Do any of you have any other ways we can become better stewards?
Theologically Speaking 