 |
Q's
& A's
How Do Jews and Christians
View the Natural World?
The earth is an orderly, interdependent system
in which plants and animals live, adapted to their
environment. The earth is characterized by diversity,
richness and a variety of plants, animals, and
environs, all of which were declared by God as
being good (Gen. 1:31). Humans are part of the
earth but do not own it since it is a gift from
God entrusted to their care (Gen. 1:26; 2:15).
The original innocence of the garden has long
vanished; human lives and the land are marred
by decay, selfishness and strife. The creation,
including humanity, waits eagerly for the fulfillment
of the kingdom and to be set free from brokeness
and death and the sin of self-centeredness and
egotism (Rom. 8:19). Ultimately, all life belongs
to God, who sustains us in and through the land.
The creation is no commodity to be bought and
sold, used and abused. It is a gift to be enjoyed
and to be handled wisely. (Au Sable Institute
Forum 1987, “A
Christian Land Ethic”) |
|
|