Outside Reading 1: The Bible - A believer's treatment of nature

Outside Reading 1: The Bible - Christianity & the Environment
November 24, 2017
Over the last several months the environment has been on my mind a lot. I have never been very knowledgeable about nature or environmental ethics. I spoke at the Philosophy Cafe and shared about a project I did this summer with Summer Scholars. Another student (I cannot remember his name) shared about research he did this summer on Islam and the environment. In this presentation the student explained that a lot of Muslims feel that they were left with the responsibility to take care of the earth. A member of the audience pointed out that this is interesting in contrast to some Christians who do not view their relationship with the earth in this way; many Christians believe that because humans have “dominion” over the earth, they can treat it however (even abusively).
This idea of humans having “dominion” over the earth is discussed in Genesis 1 during the creation of the world. In verse 26 God gives humans, who are made in the image of God, rulership over all living creatures.

“ Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Genesis 1:26

In addition to rulership of animals to humanity, in verse 30 God also gives rulership over plants.

“Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” Genesis 1:30

From my experience, I have known very few Christians who read this verse and interpret it as a charge to take care of the earth. It is clear in these verses that humans are to rule over animals and plants, but this is often interpreted in an ugly way. Many Christians use this verses as justification for treating the earth poorly, when this should mean just the opposite.

Why would God be okay with abusive, negligent, uncaring, and unkind rulership? How does this make sense?

I grew up in the Bible belt and so I was constantly surrounded by Christian ideas growing up. I knew many Christians who had an uncaring attitude about the earth; several people I knew felt it was silly to care about the well-being of the planet. I do not want to carry this perspective into my life and so I am currently seeking out more information about the environment and how my role as a believer plays a part in all of this.  

 it is my desire to read through more scriptures that touch on humanity's relationship with nature. Through conversation I hope to bring light to this scripture and initiate conversation about what it actually means (taking care of the earth rather than abusing it). This idea of approaching this rulership with kindness and care is new to me and I am excited to see what I will learn moving forward.

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