Ten Principles of Christian Earth Stewardship
God’s relation to creation
- The earth is the Lord’s: God is the sovereign proprietor of creation, not humans.
- Behold it was utterly good: God’s creation is inherently good.
- They worshipped the creature rather than the creator: We rightly worship the transcendent Creator, not the creation.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- I am establishing my coventant with you . . . and with every living creature that is with you: Covenant is the rightful context for earth stewardship.
- The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants, for they . . . have broken the everlasting covenant: Responsible earth stewardship calls for social justice.
- You shall not pollute the land in which you live: Destroying creation is a sin.
- The creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God: Salvation offers the prophetic promise of a new covenant/creation.