By Margaret Byfield
(3rd in Seven-part series)
Last week we covered the seven roles mankind was given by God to steward His creation. Now we turn to the question of whether God called us to “save” His creation.
There are no commands in the Bible where mankind is directed to “save the earth,” or, said another way, “protect” the earth. We are commanded to multiply, fill, and subdue the land, having all species under our authority. We are to wisely steward the land, specifically to work it and watch over it.
Contrary to what God has commanded, the modern conservation movement teaches we must conserve, restore, and protect the natural world.
For example, the environmental movement has been pushing nations to adopt an agenda known as 30×30, which calls for permanently protecting 30 percent of the world’s lands, waters, and oceans by 2030 — meaning no human use in these protected areas. This agenda has been launched in the United States as the “America the Beautiful” initiative.
They base their position on a belief that we are in a climate crisis, that there are too many people on the earth, that we are running out of resources, and that we are losing nature and species at an alarming rate. According to their position, the earth will soon no longer be able to support mankind unless we take immediate action to restrict man’s use of natural resources.
But if we focus on what we do know, instead of what is being forecast, we find their position to be unsound. For instance, in America only 5.3 percent of our landmass is classified as developed land, and half of this is open space (large lots, golf courses, and city parks). At the rate our population is expanding, it would take another 100 years for us to increase developed land by another full percentage point. (See Land and Habitat in the United States)
Additionally, environmentalists claim man-made emissions are harming the climate, specifically that our activities are adding too much carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. Key to understanding their position is to recognize it is based on future projections, not historical data.
This directly conflicts with what the Bible teaches, that it is God, not man, who controls the climate:
“For he makes waterdrops evaporate; they distill the rain into its mist, which the clouds pour out and shower abundantly on mankind. Can anyone understand how the clouds spread out or how the thunder roars from God’s pavilion? See how he spreads his lightning around him and covers the depths of the sea. For he judges the nations with these; he gives food in abundance. He covers his hands with lightning and commands it to hit its mark. The thunder declares his presence; the cattle also, the approaching storm.” (Job 36:27-33)
As we gain more actual data about our climate, we are finding the secular projections to be unreliable. What science does show us is that when more carbon dioxide is produced, plants become more plentiful, hence providing more food for mankind and all life. This would tell us that God has perfectly designed the climate to respond in such a way as to fully provide for our needs.
Our responsibility is to steward creation, not to save it. Frankly, that is a fool’s errand because God has told us He will be ending this world, replacing it with a new heaven and earth. Mankind cannot stop God’s plan, but advocating that we can is an act of pride, elevating man above God. Job is specifically admonished for this sin:
“Where were you when I established the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its dimensions? Certainly you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? What supports its foundations? Or who laid its cornerstone while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7)
To understand the full force of God’s rebuke, we should read Chapters 38 through 41 of Job as if God is talking directly to us. It is a humbling exercise.
The truth is that God does not need our help to protect the earth. In fact, He does not need us for anything. What He does require is our obedience to His commands, whether or not it agrees with our current understanding of the earth or climate. This is non-negotiable.
“The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things.” (Acts 17:24-25)
Causes that advocate man must “save the earth” infer that God needs us to save His creation. We must be discerning when we see this ideology and recognize that those advocating it are not in alignment with God. Supporting these types of causes leads us away from God instead of strengthening our trust in Him.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)
On page 43 of the Stewarding Creation guide there is a chart that distinguishes between environmentalism, conservation and stewardship. It will help you determine which philosophy best reflects your beliefs.
Next week Liberty Matters is taking a break, but will be back on December 9th with the fourth installment of the “Stewarding Creation” series. We will answer the question: “Does God require us to conserve land and live sustainably?”
Note: All scripture references are from the Christian Standard Bible (CBS) translation.
