What Bible Says About Climate Change
The Bible contains many references to preserving and protecting the environment, so it is not surprising that numerous theologians and Christian scholars have addressed the issue of climate change. In the Bible, God is referred to as the Creator and sustainer of the earth, and thus is responsible for maintaining balance and providing for its inhabitants.
God’s Command to Care for the Earth
According to the Bible, God has commanded humans to care for the earth. In Genesis 2:15, God tells Adam, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” This commandment is repeated in several other passages, such as Deuteronomy 20:19, which says, “When you lay siege to a city for a long time, fighting against it to capture it, do not destroy its trees by putting an ax to them, because you can eat their fruit. Do not cut them down. Are the trees of the field people, that you should besiege them?”
The Consequences of Not Caring for the Earth
The Bible also warns of the consequences of not caring for the earth. In the book of Jeremiah, God says, “I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.” In Revelation 11:18, God says, “The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small— and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
Conclusion
The Bible clearly calls for humans to be stewards of the earth and to take care of it. It also warns of the consequences of not doing so, including destroying the earth and the resulting wrath of God. Therefore, Christians should take the Bible’s teachings seriously and work to preserve and protect the environment.
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.