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Evangelical Perspectives on Land Use
The Resolution of the
Christian Environmental Council on Forest Ecosystems
October 4th, 1998
Phoenix, Arizona
WE AFFIRM that Scripture declares, 'The earth
is the LORD's and everything in it,' (Psalm 24:1)
AND
WE AFFIRM that 'the LORD God had made all kinds
of trees grow out of the ground trees that were
pleasing to the eye and good for food,' (Genesis
2:9); AND
WE AFFIRM that God created and intended that
'all the trees of the forest will sing for joy,'
(Psalm 96:13) AND 'all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.' (Isaiah 55:12)
FURTHERMORE, we affirm that forest ecosystems
are an integral component of God's good creation,
wholly having intrinsic value because they were
created by and for Jesus Christ, and have been
reconciled through Him (Colossians 1:15-20, Ephesians
4:6).
WHEREAS old growth forest ecosystems are a declining
remnant of the earth as God created it, AND
WHEREAS large and integrated forest ecosystems
provide a critical habitat for many of God's threatened
and endangered species, AND
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WHEREAS forest ecosystems play an ecologically
crucial role in mitigating the increasing levels
of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, AND
WHEREAS the purposes of National Forests to provide
quality water supplies and recreation opportunities
have been largely overlooked in recent years in
favor of maximizing commercial timber harvest,
AND
WHEREAS the livelihoods of people in certain
communities have historically depended on government
subsidized logging, AND
WHEREAS we as Christians affirm simple living,
the virtue of frugality, and living as good stewards
of God's provision in creation; and affirm that
our biblical responsibility to love our neighbors
as ourselves extends not only to our neighbors
living today, but to our neighbors throughout
time, because Christ's redemption extends throughout
time (Matthew 22:39, Psalm 15:3, Proverbs 13:22,
& Romans 8:21),
WE ENCOURAGE all Christians to support and advocate
the conservation of remaining forest ecosystems
as natural communities, created by and pleasing
to God, rather than using forest ecosystems solely
for their potential as economic capital.
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