Ten Principles of Christian Earth Stewardship

God’s relation to creation

  1. The earth is the Lord’s: God is the sovereign proprietor of creation, not humans.
  2. Behold it was utterly good: God’s creation is inherently good.
  3. They worshipped the creature rather than the creator: We rightly worship the transcendent Creator, not the creation.
  4. And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands: Creation glorifies God—therefore so should we.

The human community’s relation to creation

  1. Have dominion over every living thing—to work it and take care of it: We are given dominion over creation, but only in trust as its stewards.
  2. You have made them a little lower than the gods: Among the creatures, we humans enjoy the privilege of God’s special favor.

Humanity’s relation to God vis a vis creation

  1. I am establishing my coventant with you . . . and with every living creature that is with you: Covenant is the rightful context for earth stewardship.
  2. The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants, for they . . . have broken the everlasting covenant: Responsible earth stewardship calls for social justice.
  3. You shall not pollute the land in which you live: Destroying creation is a sin.
  4. The creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God: Salvation offers the prophetic promise of a new covenant/creation.