Religion and Planet Earth

Biblical View of Creation

The Christian creation story:

God created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th day (this is where the term "Sabbath day" came from)
Genesis says, each plant and animal was created in its complete form by God

There are disputes over if Genesis should be taken literally or symbolically.

Christian scientist views

Arthur Peacocke-biochemist, believes evolution is compatible with creationism. God lets the world be free to change in the form of evolution.
John Polkingham-scientist, says that science asks how things happen, religion asks why.

1 of 3

Christian Attitudes to the Planet

As with Animal Rights, this is a key quote.

"let them (humans) rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth" Genesis 1:26

There are a few interpretations of this:

Some think "rule over" means to have"dominion". This means they can use the planet any way they want.
Others think "rule over" means to have "stewardship". This means they have a responsibility, given by God, to care and sustain it.

Other Christian beliefs

Genesis, the Garden of Eden was made perfect by God. At the end of each day, God said, "And it was good"
Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it"
Deuteronomy 20 "Do not destroy trees"

2 of 3

Pollution: acid rain, oil spills, toxic chemicals/pesticides. Christians: poor stewardship. It harms others, breaking Jesus' teaching "love thy neighbour"
Deforestation: loss of habitat and destroys the world God made. Contributes to climate change (CO2 increase floods [Bangladesh] and landslides)
Use and Abuse of natural resources: increasing population, use of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. Christians: concerns over unequal use of resources between developed and undeveloped world, duty to future generations.
Global Warming: caused by emissions from cars and industry. Christians: it is a symptom of greed and sinfulness, good stewardship needs to be applied to the issue.

3 of 3