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Concept of
creation.
Old Testament
God is seen as a creator Genesis 1, 2, Job 38 and many of the Psalms.
Creation is seen as good. After each act in creation Genesis 1 “And
God saw that it was good.”
New Testament
Matthew 6:26-29 “Look at the birds of the air…” the
implication s that God cares for them and feeds them.
Man has a
responsibility to look after creation
Old Testament
Genesis 1:26-31 Man is placed over creation. He s to “subdue it”
and to work it.
He has authority over creation
Creation provides food for mankind
Psalm 8 Man is made to rule over creation.
Everything in creation is subject to man.
Deuteronomy 24:19 Man has the job of harvesting the produce of the fields,
but if he leaves something behind he must not return for it. The remnants
of the harvest are to be for the poor in the land.
Christian
Church
General Synod Church of England in 1992 made positive statements about
conservation, ecology and the use of the earth’s resources. This
was a result of Christians and the Environment 1990 and led to Faith in
the Countryside 1995.
The Roman Catholic
Church has concentrated on conservation of food and awareness of the needs
of those in third world countries.
Christians today are
urged to be much more aware of the environment.
The Arthur Rank Centre at Stoneleigh near Coventry hosts groups and initiatives
in many aspects of countryside management.
Christian Ecology Link This is a powerful ecumenical group, who encourage
Christian discussions on all aspects of environmental care from climate
change to green issues in churchyards. While the focus is on meetings,
talks and projects their work is linked to daily prayer and worship.
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