What the Bible Says About Climate Change
Climate change is a pressing modern issue that the Bible does not specifically address. However, many passages provide guidance on caring for creation, emphasizing stewardship and responsibility. This exploration reveals relevant themes in Scripture that offer insight into environmental responsibility from a faith-based perspective.
1. Stewardship of the Earth
A. The Role of Humanity as Caretakers
– Genesis 1:26-28: God grants humanity dominion over the earth, tasking people with stewardship rather than exploitation. This “cultural mandate” emphasizes that humans are to rule responsibly over all living things.
– Genesis 2:15: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” This verse highlights humanity’s responsibility to nurture and maintain God’s creation.
B. Accountability for Actions
– Luke 16:10-12: Jesus teaches about faithfulness with what is entrusted to us, which applies to environmental stewardship by reflecting our integrity in caring for creation.
– Leviticus 25:23-24: The land belongs to God, with people as temporary caretakers, reinforcing the need to respect and preserve resources.
2. Warnings Against Exploitation and Greed
A. Consequences of Exploiting Natural Resources
– Revelation 11:18: This verse warns that God will “destroy those who destroy the earth,” interpreted as a caution against environmental harm.
– Proverbs 12:10: While primarily about animals, it extends to treating all parts of creation with compassion and responsibility.
B. Greed and Its Environmental Impact
– Proverbs 21:20: Encourages wise management of resources, warning against wastefulness that can lead to environmental degradation.
– Isaiah 24:4-6: Describes the earth mourning under human disobedience, reminding us of the consequences of failing to respect natural boundaries.
3. Lessons on Sustainability and Rest
A. The Principle of Sabbath for the Land
– Leviticus 25:1-7: God commands that every seventh year, the land should rest, suggesting the importance of allowing ecosystems time to regenerate.
– Exodus 23:10-11: Advocates for letting the land lie fallow, reflecting a sustainable approach to agriculture.
B. Trust in God’s Provision
– Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” This verse emphasizes that while humanity relies on Earth’s resources, they ultimately belong to God, inspiring an attitude of respect and conservation.
4. Caring for the Poor and Vulnerable Amid Climate Change
A. Impact of Environmental Harm on the Poor
– Proverbs 31:8-9: Calls on believers to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” relevant for advocating for communities disproportionately affected by climate change.
– Matthew 25:35-40: Jesus emphasizes caring for “the least of these,” extending this call to support those impacted by environmental disasters exacerbated by climate change.
5. Hope and Restoration
A. God’s Promise for Renewal
– Revelation 21:1-5: Speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, symbolizing hope for restoration in God’s future kingdom.
– Romans 8:19-21: Describes creation longing for liberation from decay, reflecting hope for redemption of both humanity and nature.
FAQs
– Does the Bible mention climate change directly?
While climate change itself is not mentioned, biblical principles emphasize stewardship and care for creation.
– What does stewardship mean in a biblical context?
Stewardship involves managing God’s creation responsibly and ethically, recognizing our role as caretakers rather than owners.
– How can Christians respond to environmental issues?
By advocating for sustainable practices, supporting policies that protect the environment, and caring for vulnerable communities affected by climate change.
– Is environmental care a Christian responsibility?
Yes, biblical teachings encourage believers to respect and preserve the environment as an act of faith and responsibility.
– What biblical principles support sustainability?
Principles include stewardship (Genesis), resting the land (Leviticus), caring for others (Matthew), and recognizing God’s ownership (Psalm).
Conclusion
The Bible emphasizes themes related to caring for creation, underscoring the importance of stewardship and advocacy for vulnerable populations. These teachings encourage believers to respect and preserve the environment as an integral part of their faith and moral responsibility.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.