Defining Creation Care: A Biblical Perspective

What is Creation Care?

Creation Care is rooted in the biblical mandate to steward God’s creation responsibly, reflecting His sovereignty and goodness.

This concept is explicitly articulated in Genesis 2:15, where God places humanity in the Garden of Eden 'to work it and take care of it,' establishing a divine charge to cultivate and preserve the natural world. The Hebrew terms 'avad' (to work) and 'shamar' (to keep) imply both active engagement and vigilant protection, underscoring a balanced relationship between human responsibility and ecological respect.

The theological significance of this charge extends beyond mere utility, inviting believers to view stewardship as a covenantal relationship. As we explore the scriptural roots of this doctrine, we will see how it intertwines with themes of justice, sustainability, and God’s redemptive purposes for all creation.

Stewardship in Genesis 2:15

Genesis 2:15 establishes the biblical foundation for Creation Care through humanity’s dual mandate to steward God’s creation.

The verse states, 'The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it' (Genesis 2:15), using the Hebrew terms *avad* (to work) and *shamar* (to keep) to convey active cultivation and vigilant preservation. This mandate reflects a covenantal relationship where humans are entrusted with responsibility, not ownership, over creation. By balancing productivity with protection, the text underscores a holistic care that honors God’s design and sustains His gifts. Such stewardship is not exploitative but reflects reverence for the Creator’s intent.

This role as stewards positions humans as partners in God’s ongoing care for the world, emphasizing accountability and ethical responsibility. The mandate’s enduring relevance invites reflection on how modern practices align with this ancient charge. As we explore further, this principle will connect to broader themes of justice and God’s redemptive purposes for all things.

Biblical Foundations of Creation Care

Scripture expands the Genesis mandate by affirming creation's inherent value and humanity's stewardship role through key theological themes.

Psalm 24:1 declares, 'The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein,' emphasizing divine ownership that undergirds responsible stewardship. Romans 8:19-22 further reveals creation itself 'waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God,' framing ecological care within God's redemptive purposes. These texts collectively position environmental responsibility as both a covenantal duty and a participation in Christ's future renewal of all things.

This redemptive framework suggests that faithful stewardship anticipates and reflects God's ultimate restoration, connecting present-day care practices to eschatological hope. Such theological foundations prepare us to examine how ethical responsibility intertwines with divine sovereignty in the next section.

Creation Care and Human Responsibility

The ethical foundation of Creation Care hinges on reconciling Genesis 1:28’s 'dominion' mandate with the reverent stewardship modeled in Psalm 104, where God’s care for creation underscores humanity’s accountable role.

Genesis 1:28 commands humans to 'fill the earth and subdue it,' but it is often misread as a license for exploitation. Psalm 104 portrays God sustaining ecosystems - 'You send forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains' - and reframes dominion as a covenantal duty to reflect divine care. This tension invites ethical reflection on how human authority must align with ecological integrity, balancing productivity with preservation. By situating stewardship within God’s sovereign provision, Scripture challenges believers to prioritize sustainability over short-term gain.

environmental justice emerges as a critical dimension of this responsibility, as neglecting creation disproportionately harms marginalized communities and future generations. The biblical call to stewardship implies a commitment to equitable resource distribution and sustainable practices that honor the interconnectedness of all life. For instance, Psalm 104’s emphasis on God clothing the mountains with dawn and providing for creatures’ needs suggests that human care must similarly prioritize the flourishing of the vulnerable. This ethical framework demands that Creation Care address systemic inequities while resisting extractive models that prioritize human convenience over ecological health.

This stewardship ethic is further deepened by the eschatological hope articulated in Romans 8:19-22, where creation’s 'groaning' anticipates redemption through Christ. Present-day care for creation becomes an act of faith, aligning with God’s ultimate renewal of all things and preparing readers to explore the practical implications of this hope in the next section.

Why Creation Care Matters Today

In light of escalating environmental crises and growing global inequality, the biblical call to Creation Care outlined in Genesis 2:15 takes on urgent relevance for modern Christian discipleship.

climate change, driven by centuries of resource exploitation, disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, echoing Psalm 24:1’s reminder that 'the earth is the Lord’s' and thus demands equitable stewardship. As Romans 8:19-22 describes creation 'groaning' toward redemption, believers are called to align their practices with this eschatological hope by mitigating ecological harm. This stewardship reflects God’s character, requiring both personal sustainability efforts and advocacy for systemic change that honors His ownership of all creation.

Practically, this means adopting habits like reducing waste and supporting just resource policies, while Psalm 104’s portrayal of God sustaining ecosystems challenges us to prioritize the vulnerable in our care. These principles lay the groundwork for exploring how ethical responsibility intertwines with divine sovereignty in the next section.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of Creation Care, explore the theological roots in eco-theology and the covenantal framework God establishes with creation.

Studying Romans 8:19-22, where Paul writes that 'creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God,' can illuminate how God's redemptive plan includes all of creation. Additionally, examining the Noahic covenant in Genesis 9:8-17, which affirms God's enduring care for the earth, offers insights into sustainable practices, while practical steps like reducing waste and advocating for environmental justice align with Scripture's call to stewardship.