Creation Care and Environmental Stewardship

Why do people care what happens to the Earth? What makes an individual willing to sacrifice aspects of their lifestyle in order to better our common world? The motivations that people have for a concern about the environment vary wildly. The value we place on anything can be the result of personal moral conscience, personal gain, community standards, or religious codes. While some people believe that the environment is of intrinsic importance, or want to help "just because," others require a stronger theological basis in order to justify their involvement in projects that are environmentally beneficial.

Certain American Christians have recently gained publicity for their growing concern about climate change and pollution. They have coined the phrase "Creation Care" to describe their efforts, highlighting the motivation they have for working on these issues--they are literally 'taking care of [God's]creation.' Countering a previously prevalent mentality among some Christians that it didn't matter what happened to the earth because it would all be destroyed in the coming age, Evangelical groups now see the Biblical scriptures commanding humans to be 'stewards' of the created world. Because God cared enough to make it for us, and set us in charge, the logic runs, now we have to keep it going.

Obviously, Christians are a very diverse group who have a myriad of positions on political and social issues. Therefore, it is significant that the Creation Care movement has galvanized a whole spectrum of theological traditions, from more left-leaning mainline denominations to right-leaning Evangelical Protestants, to Catholics, Quakers, and Mennonites. A quick Google search yields millions of sites dedicated to discussing Creation Care, such as creationcare.org which offers scriptural support and ideas for alleviating climate change. There are obvious differences in approach, from individual or household levels of conservation to churchwide initiatives, to lobbying as Christians in the political sphere for action by the government. Yet, it seems to be a consensus that what resources we use and how we consume them matters from a faith perspective.

So what is being done in the name of Creation Care? Churches are switching their lightbulbs, banning foam cups from coffee hour, and preaching about reducing, reusing, and recycling. Christians are promoting hybrid cars and alternate transportation, supporting local agricultural initiatives, and carrying reusable grocery bags. Reverence for the earth is in! Additionally, Christians are recognizing the effects of changing weather patterns and pollution on the poorest and most vulnerable people around the world. It is no longer just about the land and sea, but also about people and how they are affected. Tsunamis and hurricanes, droughts and fuel shortages make the news daily and remind everyone that the choices they make impact others far away.

Ultimately, will local and regional efforts stem the tide of climate change? I believe that certain steps must be taken by organizations with power, like the government, to shift the way energy is created, processed, and consumed in this country. This remains a contentious issue in 'Creation Care' for those who do not like to see interference in the capitalist markets. More remains to be discussed on another day, but for now it is good to see that churches with considerable sway and prestige are opening up to the cause of the Earth and no longer find environmental protection at odds with their convictions. The Christian ethic is thus holistic, finding care of nature and care of people to be essential elements of the faith.