While this has often been misinterpreted and applied abusively, scholars have pointed out that the Hebrew term used here ( radah) is, in context, a neutral term, without the negative modern connotations of brute force, violent power–over, and exploitation. There is, of course, the well–known God–given mandate to humanity to “have dominion over” wider creation (Genesis 1:26 and 28).
And so, as Christians, we act like our God (that is, “image” or reflect God) as we care for wider creation. In the Bible, creation has inherent value and worth beyond its usefulness to humanity.
Read and interpreted well, the Bible has a deep well of ideas that can produce the needed motivation to serve and care for the environment.įor example, the Bible begins by presenting God as a creator who has created a good world that God cares for. We need sources of motivation that would spark widespread action. We need millions more people around the world putting pressure on politicians, mobilising communities and adjusting lifestyles. Well, leaving aside for now all the ways in which the Bible has also been a source of just and virtuous activity (and that, as previous Theos research has suggested,Ĭhristianity is by its nature a public religion), I can think of two pertinent reasons to bring the Bible into today’s climate crisis conversations.įirstly, in facing the climate crisis, we need ever more people to care about the problem that we face and the Bible can play a role in establishing that motivation. Possibly offer that would help us out of this catastrophe? I can sympathise with those advocating for the pages of Scripture to be confined behind church walls to an innocuous Sunday hour.
And I believe it grieves the God of the Bible.Īs the world grapples increasingly with the global climate crisis, searching for solutions that would lead to (miraculous) healing and restoration, I can understand why many people might be cautious of bringing the Bible into the conversation. From the Doctrine of Discovery in the fifteenth century, to the theological underpinnings of South African apartheid, the Bible has been used to craft systems and support structures that have caused pain, suffering and injustice.Īs a Christian, this grieves me. The Bible has been read, interpreted and applied in ways that have caused all sorts of atrocities and grievous injustices that have stained human history. Clark Buys considers how theological reflection can serve to stimulate, initiate and sustain behaviour.
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