"Economics #2" Response

            The Christian worldview not only establishes that God created the earth and its inhabitants, but shows Christians everywhere how to interact with nature in a way that glorifies God. For instance, Biblical Christianity recognizes the value God places on all of His creation—especially the human race. While God calls His people to be good stewards of nature, He does not instruct them to place nature on a pedestal of worship, or even equality with Mankind (Exodus 20:4-5). Rather, Christianity states that humanity and nature are meant to exist in a non-abusive relationship, with Man using nature for his own purposes (i.e., building homes), while simultaneously “giving back” to the earth by not overusing its resources. For example, the lumber industry necessitates the destruction of trees to create houses, but many of these companies also hire people to plant new trees to replace the ones that were cut down. This God-centered inherent value of nature is known as theistic intrinsic value (Bergstrom). It reminds Christians that in the same way that they have dominion over nature, God has dominion over Mankind. Therefore, the ways in which we sustain (or abuse) nature will ultimately be accounted for by God.

            Even though it is important to respect and protect nature, the “Earth Day Constitution” established by the World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth unnecessarily deifies the earth. For instance, many of its rules assume that “Mother Earth” essentially deserves the same amount of respect as a sentient human being. This kind of logic stems from a Cosmic Humanist idea known as the Gaia Theory, which asserts that the earth itself is a living organism (Noebel). However, the Gaia theory and the pantheism behind it are entirely unbiblical; by granting nature an exalted place of godlike honor, such extreme environmentalism topples the Creative Hierarchy that the Lord has established.

            Not only does environmentalism deny Man his God-given dominion over nature, but it reduces him to being just another “being,” at the same level of plants and animals, that is simply a parasite. Ironically enough, mandates with which environmentalism charges people in relation to protecting the planet highlights Man’s role as the earth’s steward. This high position reveals human dominion over nature—not any “debt” that we owe to it.  

Furthermore, environmentalism places the human race under the constant fear of potentially wounding “Mother Earth” at any given time (Global Warming/Climate change, enlarging the carbon footprint, etc.). Environmentalism also demands that people rectify any violations they make that contribute to the planet’s destruction. Requests to treat the earth in a kind manner, as well as to fix any abuses we perform against it (littering, etc.) are just, (and even logical). However, Christians need to understand the difference between true violations of natural safety, as opposed to the ways in which environmentalists define “violations.”  For instance, taking a weed out of one’s garden may kill the weed, but it protects the wellbeing of the other plants it would have affected. In a way, this seemingly insignificant act maintains the equilibrium of the garden environment. However, the Earth Day Constitution writers would see this as the violation of the weed (“a being”), and its right to life as a part of Mother Earth. The superfluous and irrational approach that environmentalism imposes on every human action ultimately limits our ability to keep the planet safe. For example, certain plant and animal species become prolific to the point that the species in question endanger more delicate flora/fauna around them. Without people to control the populations of such organisms, such an environment would eventually destroy itself—even if it requires killing the “beings” in question.

Environmentalism not only advocates the destruction of God’s Creative Hierarchy (nature below Man; Man below God), but places humans in perpetual guilt for hurting nature. While “planet protection” should be seriously considered in terms of Man’s stewardship of the planet, it is equally important to remember that God granted people dominion over nature. In conclusion, nature’s ultimate purpose is to teach Man to act responsibly, thereby glorifying the God who made them both.