Earth Day: A Christian Perspective

"EARTH DAY" -- A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

April 22 marks the [45^th] celebration of “Earth Day”-an effort initiated to increase awareness about environmental issues. The founder of Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson, believes, “The fate of the living planet is the most important issue facing mankind.” In addition, the Earth Day Network (the coordinating body of Earth Day activities) seeks to promote “a healthy environment and a peaceful, just, sustainable world by spreading environmental awareness …”

While it is laudable to see humans exercising their God-ordained responsibility to care for the creation (Genesis:1:26-28 [26] And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. [28] And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
See All...), the above quotes show the prevailing view on environmental issues is skewed, as a proper Biblical foundation is lacking.

First, the fate of the planet is, ultimately, not in the hands of mankind. While humans are responsible for caring for the Earth (as per the “Dominion mandate” in Genesis:1:26-28 [26] And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. [28] And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
See All...), we are not in control of the Earth. Rather it belongs to the Creator Himself (Psalm:24:1(A Psalm of David.) The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
See All...), who has made us His earthly stewards.

Second, the fate of the living planet is not the most important issue facing mankind. Ultimately, this decaying system will be replaced with a New Heavens and Earth anyway (Romans:8:20-22 [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
See All..., 2 Peter:3:13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
See All..., Revelation:21:1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
See All..., Hebrews:1:10-12 [10] And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: [11] They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; [12] And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
See All...). Rather, the most important issue facing mankind is: will the individual choose to acknowledge his Creator and be reconciled to Him? Romans:1:20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
See All... makes it clear that knowledge of God is, at least at some level, evident to all, so those who refuse to acknowledge their Maker are without excuse.

For Christians, the most important concern is that of sharing with others the good news about the Creator who came to Earth to redeem His creation from the Curse of sin.

Finally, a proper and balanced perspective on caring for the Earth and its inhabitants comes not from merely promoting “environmental awareness” but is only found within the Biblical framework, i.e. recognizing humans were created by a loving God and given the responsibility to rule over, subdue, and care for the rest of the Creation, once “very good,” but now suffering from the curse of sin.

We need to beware of the tendency to worship and serve created things, as can happen with some “Earth Day” activities. Instead we should give glory and honor to the Creator and return to the authority of His Word.

https://answersingenesis.org/environmental-science/earth-day-a-christian-perspective/