Jul 197 min read

Apologetics—Does the Bible Teach the Abuse of Nature?

Introduction: Understanding Biblical Stewardship

The Bible's teachings on the natural world and humanity’s relationship to it require careful examination and balance. The question of whether the Bible teaches the abuse of nature is complex, involving theological, ethical, and practical dimensions. To provide a thorough answer, it is essential to explore the biblical mandate for dominion over nature, the principles of stewardship, and the implications of both for contemporary environmental issues.

Dominion Over Nature: A Biblical Mandate

In the Genesis creation account, Jehovah God grants humanity dominion over the earth. Genesis 1:26-28 states, "Then 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 birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, '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 heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"

This mandate to "subdue" the earth and "have dominion" over all living things establishes humanity’s authority over nature. However, this authority is not an endorsement of exploitation or abuse. Instead, it implies a responsibility to manage and care for the natural world in a manner that reflects God's character and purposes.

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The Principle of Stewardship

The concept of stewardship is deeply rooted in Scripture. While humans have been given dominion over the earth, they are also stewards of God’s creation. The earth belongs to Jehovah: "The earth is Jehovah's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1). This ownership establishes that humanity’s dominion is not ownership but a delegated authority requiring responsible management.

Leviticus 25:23 further emphasizes this principle: "The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me." Here, the Israelites are reminded that the land ultimately belongs to God, and they are merely temporary stewards of His creation.

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The Use of Nature: Biblical Guidelines

The Bible provides guidelines for the use of nature that reflect both the mandate for dominion and the principle of stewardship. God’s provision of plants and animals for food, as seen in Genesis 1:29-30 and Genesis 9:1-3, illustrates the legitimate use of natural resources to meet human needs. Jesus' miracles, such as calming the storm (Matthew 8:24-27) and withering the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22), demonstrate His authority over nature and affirm the divine approval of utilizing nature for human purposes.

However, the use of nature must be balanced with respect for its intrinsic value and God’s commands. The agricultural laws in the Old Testament provide practical examples of this balance. For instance, the land was to lie fallow every seventh year to replenish its nutrients (Exodus 23:10-11; Leviticus 25:1-22). This practice reflects a recognition of the land's value and a commitment to its long-term health.

Misuse and Abuse of Nature: A Biblical Warning

While the Bible endorses the use of natural resources, it also warns against their misuse and abuse. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and the parable of the vineyard (Matthew 21:33-44) depict humans as stewards who will be held accountable for their management of God’s property. These parables emphasize that neglect, waste, or exploitation of resources is contrary to God’s will.

The Bible also condemns practices that harm the natural order. Romans 1:26-27 speaks against actions that violate God's design, indicating that such violations are sinful. Similarly, the curse of the fall affects the natural world (Genesis 3:17-19), but this does not justify further degradation. Instead, Scripture calls for responsible stewardship that aligns with God’s original intent for creation.

God’s Providential Care and the Future of Creation

Throughout Scripture, there is a recurring theme of God’s providential care for the natural world. Psalm 104 provides a beautiful depiction of God’s involvement in sustaining creation: "You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills; they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches" (Psalm 104:10-12).

Moreover, the Bible envisions a future restoration of creation. Romans 8:20-22 speaks of creation’s groaning and its eager expectation for liberation from bondage to decay. Revelation 21:1-4 promises a new heaven and a new earth where the effects of the curse are reversed. This eschatological hope affirms the value of creation and God’s plan for its ultimate renewal.

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Practical Implications for Contemporary Stewardship

Understanding the biblical perspective on dominion and stewardship has significant implications for contemporary environmental issues. Christians are called to exercise their dominion in ways that honor God and reflect His care for creation. This includes practices that promote sustainability, conservation, and the responsible use of resources.

The biblical principle of letting the land rest, for example, can inform modern agricultural practices that seek to prevent soil depletion and promote ecological health. Similarly, the recognition of God’s ownership of the earth can inspire efforts to protect endangered species, preserve natural habitats, and reduce pollution.

Christians are also encouraged to advocate for policies and practices that reflect biblical stewardship. This can involve supporting environmental legislation, participating in conservation projects, and educating others about the importance of caring for God’s creation. By doing so, believers can bear witness to God’s love for the world and His desire for its flourishing.

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Balancing Dominion and Stewardship

Balancing the biblical mandate for dominion with the principles of stewardship requires wisdom and discernment. It involves recognizing the value of nature as God’s creation and the responsibility to manage it wisely. This balance is reflected in the practice of sustainable development, which seeks to meet human needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable development aligns with the biblical vision of shrewd management of God-given resources, as seen in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). It emphasizes the importance of maximizing production and efficiency while maintaining the health and integrity of the environment.

In practical terms, this balance can be achieved through practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and protecting natural ecosystems. It also involves making ethical decisions about consumption, production, and resource allocation that reflect a commitment to stewardship and justice.

The Role of the Church in Environmental Stewardship

The church has a crucial role to play in promoting environmental stewardship. By teaching biblical principles of dominion and stewardship, the church can equip believers to engage with environmental issues in ways that honor God. This includes fostering a culture of care and responsibility for creation, encouraging sustainable practices, and supporting initiatives that protect and restore the environment within reason. When the government expects US citizens to pay taxes, going trillions in debt while there are no expectations for China, India, Russia, and other countries who make up 80% of the pollution, this is a bridge too far.

Worship and prayer are also essential components of environmental stewardship. By praising God for His creation and seeking His guidance in caring for it, believers can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a stronger commitment to its preservation.

Furthermore, the church can serve as a prophetic voice, calling attention to environmental injustices and advocating for policies that promote sustainability and equity. By doing so, the church can fulfill its mission to be a light in the world, reflecting God’s love and justice in all areas of life.

The Ethical Dimension of Environmental Stewardship

The ethical dimension of environmental stewardship is grounded in the biblical understanding of human responsibility and accountability. As stewards of God’s creation, humans are called to act with integrity, justice, and compassion. This involves recognizing the interconnectedness of all life and the impact of human actions on the environment and future generations.

Ethical environmental stewardship also requires a commitment to the principles of justice and equity. This means addressing the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on marginalized communities and ensuring that the benefits of natural resources are shared fairly. By promoting justice and equity, Christians can reflect God’s character and advance His kingdom on earth.

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Conclusion: Embracing Our Role as Stewards

The Bible does not teach the abuse of nature but calls for responsible stewardship that honors God and reflects His care for creation. By understanding the biblical mandate for dominion and the principles of stewardship, Christians can engage with environmental issues in ways that promote sustainability, justice, and the flourishing of all creation. Through worship, education, advocacy, and practical action, believers can fulfill their role as stewards of God’s good creation and bear witness to His love and sovereignty over all the earth.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).