Over the continuing objections of some, American Christendom seems to be getting the idea that it’s a good idea to care for the planet upon which we live. As such, the question seems no longer to be “Should Christians care?,” but rather “WHY should Christians care?”.
And to that question are many answers.
- The environment is in crisis.
- We depend upon the environment for food, water and air.
- The poor suffer disproportionately from environmental degradation.
- We want our children’s children to enjoy what we ourselves have to enjoy.
All legitimate. All insufficient--even if taken together.
For Christians, the primary reason for caring for that which God created is simply because God created it and our doing so brings Him glory (and He told us to!). At least, I would argue, that should be the reason.
In his delightful book, Our Father’s World, my friend Ed Brown puts it this way
My biggest reason for caring for God’s creation has nothing to do with the extent or the severity of the crisis, the number of people affected or even the ultimate future of the human race. It has to do with one simple fact: I know the God who made it all. And I love him. If I can place a high price on things that have little or no intrinsic value simply because they were made by one of my children, how much more ought I to value and care for this amazing world God made, this world that is precious because he made it and that represents an excellence and beauty far beyond anything that any of us could begin to comprehend, let alone make on our own.
We care about God’s creation, because we love God and live our lives to glorify Him. It is a part of our worshipful response to Him. Yes, caring for creation helps address the crises we face. Yes, it helps protect our own wellbeing and, particularly, the wellbeing of the poor. And yes, it helps preserve the joys of nature for our grandkids. But all of those, important as they are, are secondary.
One final thought (for now) on this subject. As with all worshipful responses to the God whom we love, caring for creation is not merely a matter of doing something because we are commanded--whether praising, praying, or tithing. There is that. We are commanded to care and consequences follow when we do not—pain, poverty, discord and more. But just as surely, other consequences follow when we do—joy chief among them. So it isn’t just that we have to care for creation. We GET to care for creation. Praising God all the way.
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