What is Christianity's take on the environment?

Question

Do you think that, for example, the book of Genisis, as it places humans above all else, allows for the attitude that the earth and its resources are a commodity? Or do you feel it puts us under the responsiblity of a shepard (who therefore must take care of the earth and its resources)? Your thoughts?

Answer 1

The bible uses the word "steward" and "subdue" to describe the relationship we have with the earth. In Greek these words mean to cultivate and produce. The original translation of the bible in greek is much more clear about this relationship. We are to tend to and take care of mother earth. We are to be responsible for helping her achive her fullest potential. Today we have misused the words in the bible to suggest that the earth is just a resource and we are to exploit her. This is not the case. God intended us to have a simbiotic relationship with mother earth. How we deal with the earth today is not how we were originally intended to.

Answer 2

Sort of both. The earth is created as our habitation, and we are certainly valued by God above all. The commandment was to go out and be fruitful, fill the earth, and subdue it. But we are to be good stewards of this resource and all that is in it. Its is our garden after all. We are not to worship the earth or anything in it, or value it more than people or God.

Answer 3

I believe that God wants humans here to act as a shepard which explains why the early men (in God's day) were shepards. God wants humans to take care of animals which is why he put us here, he clearly states this in the Bible (although the Bible wasn't written in God's day). God meant for us to use what we have as a commodity as well.

Answer 4

My take is that we are supposed to live within nature as protectors and guides. I believe the creatures were made to be our friends.We certainly don't live up to this as a global community, I suppose it would have been possible if we had stayed in Eden...........