Biblical Answer

The Christian View of Caring for the Earth

From a biblical perspective, humans have a responsibility to care for the earth as its stewards. This mandate is rooted in Genesis 1:28, where God commands humans to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." This passage emphasizes the importance of humans being good caretakers of creation. However, it is essential to note that the biblical view of caring for the earth is not solely focused on preserving the planet for future generations. Rather, it is centered on honoring God and living in accordance with His design for creation.

The Young Earth Perspective

Some people, known as young earth advocates, propose that the earth is relatively young, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 years old. While this perspective may not be widely accepted by the scientific community, it is essential to acknowledge that some Christians hold this view. However, it is crucial to recognize that the age of the earth does not directly impact the biblical mandate to care for creation. Regardless of the earth's age, humans are still called to be good stewards of the planet and to honor God in their care for creation.

A Biblical Perspective on Caring for the Earth

In light of the biblical mandate to care for creation, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach to environmental stewardship. This involves not only preserving the planet for future generations but also living in accordance with God's design for creation. This means being mindful of our consumption patterns, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices. Moreover, it involves recognizing that humans are not the ultimate masters of the earth, but rather stewards who are accountable to God. By adopting a biblical perspective on caring for the earth, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and life-sustaining planet, while also honoring God and living in accordance with His design for creation.