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Mainline Protestant Teachings
on Care for God's Creation
Many of the mainline Protestant churches that
belong to the National Council of Churches of
Christ have long histories of engaging public
policy issues. The theological and ethical bases
for this engagement can be found in denominational
and ecumenical resolutions, policy position papers,
and social statements, as well as in educational
and worship materials.
In spite of the variety of perspectives and approaches,
a number of recurring themes are found in these
materials when it comes to environmental issues.
The churches’ call for creation care is
rooted in the biblical story of the creation of
the world and human beings, the disruption brought
on nature and society by human sin, and God’s
relentless action to restore the lost wholeness
of creation. Creation care includes not only responsible
stewardship of the natural world, but also striving
for social and economic justice among human beings
— a combination often called “eco-justice.”
Among the mainline Protestant teachings that
support environmental concern are the following: |
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Biblical and Theological Foundations
God is the Creator and Owner
[Please note: The views
in these excerpts are not necessarily shared by
every member denomination of the National Council
of Churches - U.S.A.]
The earth belongs to God. God creates
it and asks us to share in the care of it... God
cares for the entire creation... God is present
in humankind and in every creature and created
thing. (Disciples of Christ, Resolution
Concerning Energy, 1977.)
Creation has its origin, existence, value and
destiny in God. Creation belongs to God... Creation
is a realm of divine activity as God continually
seeks to bring healing, wholeness, and peace.
All creation is accountable to God. (United Methodist
Church,
New Developments in Genetic Science, 1992,
2000.)
Creation is Good
Christians believe that the whole creation is
God’s handiwork and belongs to God (Psalm
24:1). The creation has value in itself because
God created and values it (Proverbs 8:29-31).
God delights in the creation and desires its wholeness
and well-being. God created the earth, affirmed
that it was good, and established an everlasting
covenant with humanity to take responsibility
for the whole of creation. God declares all of
creation good. Our proper perspective on all activity
on the earth flows directly from our affirmation
of God as Creator. (American Baptist Church, American
Baptist Policy Statement on Ecology, 1989.) |
