“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it’” (Gen 1:28).The Christian doctrine of creation should inform Christian approaches to environmental issues or, as it is sometimes known, “creation care.”
There are two truths that have to be held in tension. First, “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” (Ps 24:1). It’s not ours to do with as we please. We ought to take care of other people’s things when they let us use them.
Second, though, God did give us the earth to use (Gen 1:28). We’re supposed to use it wisely, but it is ours to use. We’re allowed to cut down trees, eat animals, and dig up coal. Just don’t go crazy.
These two truths, combined with a healthy dose of “love your neighbor as yourself” should guide us in how to steward the world the Lord has given us in a way that is respectful of all of our neighbors’ needs.
(I have written on this in more detail here.)
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