An issue of increasing debate in our country is that of global warming. Its proponents state that due to the release of CFC’s because of man’s industrial technology, the earth’s ozone layer is slowly decaying. The ozone layer is the section of our atmosphere that absorbs ultraviolet rays. Without it, we would all burn up. They also state that our release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide is causing an overall warming effect over the surface of our earth.
Opponents of global warming state that although the earth may be experiencing a slight warming trend, there is not enough evidence to point to man as the culprit. They also argue that in the past, the hole in the ozone layer has been known to fluctuate. Isn’t this what’s happening now? Besides, would our earth getting warmer really be that bad of a thing?
From a Biblical standpoint, what is our responsibility in regards to global warming and the environment in general? In Genesis 1:28, God tells man to “subdue” the earth (NIV). He has given us all of its resources. In my opinion, to “subdue” means to utilize these resources for our benefit. Are coal and oil resources that God has given us? Certainly. Do they provide benefit to us? Most definitely. However, I also believe that when God gave us the earth, He made us stewards of it. God put Adam in the Garden of Eden to “cultivate it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). He expects us to use his gifts wisely and to not wantonly destroy what he has given to us.
How does this relate to global warming? Well, regardless of whether global warming caused by man is true or not, we should be cognizant of the pollution we are causing. Does this mean we should stop all industrial work that adds harmful substances to the atmosphere? To do so would greatly destroy our economy and way of life. Are we to put “cultivat[ing]” and “keep[ing]” the earth before “subdu[ing]” it? I don’t really know for sure, but I don’t think so.
We must keep in mind our purpose on earth and the ultimate destiny of the planet we live on. Our duty as Christians is to “preach the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). The industries that cause pollution make it easier to reach people with the Gospel. Without things like cars or planes, transportation within our own country and to foreign countries would be significantly slower. To reach the most people with Christ, we must have such things. We must also consider the destiny of our planet. Eventually, it will be destroyed. God will not allow this to happen before the time that He has appointed.
At the same time, however, there is no harm in seeking alternative energy sources. In fact, doing so could provide a lot of good. Not only would pollution be decreased, but also the huge expense of buying oil and the dependency on foreign oil would be alleviated.
There is a delicate balance involved with a Christian’s responsibility to the environment. The issue is really not about global warming; it’s about our task as stewards of the earth. We must find a way to “subdue” and “cultivate” and “keep” this great planet of ours. But we must also remember that the world is not some out of control, unstable environment. God holds the reins; “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”
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