As evangelical Christians, we can no longer afford to ignore the reality of climate change. The biblical mandate to care for God’s creation (Genesis 2:15) compels us to confront this global crisis with faith, compassion and bold action.
The science is clear – our planet is warming at an alarming rate due to human activity, with devastating consequences for the poor, vulnerable ecosystems, and future generations. As followers of Jesus, we are called to love our neighbors, pursue justice, and steward the earth responsibly (Micah 6:8). Addressing climate change is not a partisan issue, but a moral and spiritual imperative flowing from the heart of the gospel.
It’s time for the evangelical church to awaken from apathy and lead the charge on climate action – through prayer, lifestyle changes, advocacy, and being a prophetic witness in a world that desperately needs hope. Will we have the courage to obey God, stand with the suffering, and safeguard the glorious creation entrusted to our care? The future of our planet hangs in the balance.
The Biblical Basis for Creation Care
Dominion vs. Domination
God entrusted humans with dominion over His creation (Genesis 1:28), but this does not mean domination or exploitation. The Hebrew word for dominion, “radah,” implies responsible stewardship and nurturing care. Just as a ruler is accountable for the well-being of their subjects, we are accountable to God for how we treat His creation.
Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” We are caretakers, not owners. Our dominion should reflect God’s loving character. In the Garden of Eden, God instructed Adam to “work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). This sets a pattern of stewardship that involves cultivating and protecting, not abusing or destroying.
Jesus, the perfect image of God, demonstrated dominion through self-sacrificial service. He came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). As His followers, we should exercise dominion with humility and love, seeking the well-being of all God’s creatures. This includes addressing threats like climate change that disproportionately harm the vulnerable.
Creation care is an act of worship, acknowledging God’s wisdom and glory displayed in all He has made (Psalm 19:1-4). It is also an act of obedience, fulfilling our God-given mandate to steward the earth well. May we embrace our role as faithful stewards, rejecting exploitation and embodying Christlike love for all God’s handiwork.
Christ’s Redemption and Creation
Christ’s redemptive work is not limited to individual souls but encompasses all of creation. The apostle Paul declares in Colossians 1:19-20 that through Christ, God is reconciling all things to Himself – things in heaven and on earth. This means that the gospel message has cosmic implications, and our hope as Christians extends beyond personal salvation to the restoration of the entire created order.
In Romans 8:19-22, Paul further elaborates that creation itself is groaning, eagerly awaiting the revelation of the children of God. The fall has subjected creation to futility and decay, but through Christ’s death and resurrection, the process of renewal has begun. As believers, we have a foretaste of this redemption in our own lives, and we are called to be agents of restoration, caring for and stewarding God’s creation in anticipation of the new heavens and earth promised in Revelation 21-22.
Climate Change: A Christian Concern
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, with the scientific consensus clearly showing that human activities are driving unprecedented changes to Earth’s climate systems. The impacts are already being felt around the world, from rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events to shifting rainfall patterns and ecosystem disruptions. Tragically, it is often the poorest and most vulnerable communities who bear the brunt of these devastating consequences.
As Christians, we cannot ignore this crisis. The Bible teaches us that God created the Earth and entrusted us with the sacred responsibility of stewarding His creation (Genesis 1:28). When we abuse and exploit the natural world, we not only harm our fellow human beings but also fail to honor God’s good gift. Moreover, Jesus calls us to love our neighbors and care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40) – a mandate that surely includes those suffering most from the effects of a changing climate.
Confronting climate change, then, is not just a scientific or political issue, but a profound moral and spiritual challenge. It demands that we examine our lifestyles, priorities, and values in light of God’s Word. Are we consuming and wasting too much? Do we prize comfort and convenience over the well-being of creation? Have we become complicit in systems that oppress the poor and ravage the Earth? Grappling with these questions requires deep reflection, honest repentance, and a willingness to change.
Thankfully, we do not face this task alone. God equips us with the wisdom of Scripture, the power of prayer, and the support of Christian community. By engaging in faithful Bible study resources, we can discern how to live more justly and sustainably as followers of Christ. The church has a vital role to play in this effort – bearing witness to God’s love for the world, advocating for those most impacted by climate change, and embodying a different way of living in harmony with creation. May we have the courage to take up this urgent calling in our time.
Overcoming Obstacles to Engagement
Despite growing awareness of environmental crises, many evangelicals have been hesitant to fully embrace climate action. This reluctance often stems from political polarization, end-times theology, and fears of liberal or New Age environmentalism. However, a biblical perspective offers compelling responses to these concerns.
In our politically divided landscape, creation care has become entangled with partisan politics. Yet as Christians, our ultimate allegiance is to God, not any political party. The Bible calls us to rise above divisions and unite in stewarding the earth (Psalm 24:1). By grounding our environmental ethics in Scripture, we can transcend political boundaries and bear witness to God’s love for all creation.
Some Christians view climate change through the lens of end-times prophecy, believing that environmental destruction is inevitable or even necessary for Christ’s return. However, this perspective overlooks our ongoing responsibility as caretakers. Until the final restoration, we are called to tend and keep the garden (Genesis 2:15), acting as faithful servants who long for the redemption of all things (Romans 8:19-22).
Fears of aligning with secular environmentalism have also hindered evangelical engagement. While we may not agree with every philosophical underpinning of the wider green movement, we cannot allow this to deter us from our biblical mandate. Throughout history, Christians have affirmed truth and pursued the common good alongside those of different beliefs. From the examples of Daniel, Esther, and the early church, we learn to discern God’s purposes, engage culture winsomely, and bear witness to our distinctive hope in Christ.
As evangelicals, we have a rich heritage of faithful cultural engagement to draw upon. Leaders like William Wilberforce, who fought against slavery, and Francis Schaeffer, who advocated for ecological stewardship, model how to navigate complex issues with biblical conviction and Christlike love. By following their example and partnering with fellow believers across Christian traditions, we can overcome obstacles and unite in caring for our common home to the glory of God.
Practical Ways to Make a Difference
As Christians, we are called to be faithful stewards of God’s creation. Here are some practical ways we can make a difference in caring for the environment and addressing climate change:
In our personal lives, we can reduce our carbon footprint by making simple changes like using energy-efficient light bulbs, carpooling or using public transportation, and reducing meat consumption. We can also commit to recycling, composting, and avoiding single-use plastics.
As church communities, we can conduct energy audits of our facilities, switch to renewable energy sources, and incorporate creation care into our worship services and educational programs. Churches can also organize community clean-up days and support local conservation efforts.
Supporting Christian environmental organizations is another powerful way to get involved. Groups like A Rocha, Care of Creation, and Young Evangelicals for Climate Action are doing important work to mobilize Christians for environmental action. Consider making a financial contribution or volunteering your time and skills.
We can also use our voices to advocate for policies that protect the environment and address climate change. Write letters to your elected officials, participate in peaceful demonstrations, and vote for candidates who prioritize creation care.
Above all, let us pray for God’s world and for the wisdom and courage to be faithful stewards. Pray for those most impacted by climate change, for our leaders, and for the church to rise up and take action. Remember that our ultimate hope is in Christ, who reconciles all things to himself and empowers us to participate in the renewal of creation.
Conclusion
As Christians, we are called to be faithful stewards of God’s creation and to demonstrate our love for God and neighbor through our actions. The urgency of the climate crisis demands a bold response from the evangelical community. By embracing a biblical vision of creation care, we have the opportunity to lead by example in stewarding God’s creation for the sake of future generations. This is not just an environmental issue, but a moral and spiritual imperative that requires us to live out our faith in tangible ways. Let us rise to the challenge, guided by the Holy Spirit, and work towards a more just, sustainable, and hope-filled world.