User:Mlhammond/Christian views on environmentalism

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Major Lutheran Synods acknowledge that the Bible calls us to care for God's creation. The dominion that God gave His human creatures has often been abused, carried out to the detriment of creation: loss of biodiversity, resource depletion, environmental damage, etc. We are called to live according to God's wisdom in creation with his other creatures. Sustainable living is needed.

In addition to recognizing the obligation for stewardship of God's creation, Lutherans draw upon various biblical passages to emphasize their commitment to environmental care. One significant biblical foundation is found in Genesis 2:15, where God commands Adam to "tend and keep" the Garden of Eden , highlighting humanity's responsibility for nurturing and preserving the earth's ecosystems.

Furthermore, Lutherans often reference Psalm 24:1, which declares, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." This verse emphasizes the divine ownership of the earth and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation under God's sovereignty. This understanding informs Lutheran teachings on environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of respecting and safeguarding God's creation.

Lutherans frequently cite passages such as Romans 8:19-22  , which speaks of creation eagerly awaiting its redemption from bondage to decay. This passage underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, highlighting the shared destiny of all creation in God's redemptive plan. It prompts believers to work towards the restoration and reconciliation of all things, including the environment, in anticipation of God's ultimate renewal of creation.

Additionally, Lutherans may draw inspiration from Jesus’s teachings, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus refers to the birds of the air as beneficiaries of God's care, illustrating God's concern for all creatures. Similarly, in Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus speaks of the righteous caring for the least of these, which includes acts of compassion towards the environment and its inhabitants.

In the Lutheran theology, the concept of vocation also plays a significant role in shaping attitudes towards environmental stewardship. Martin Luther emphasized the idea that every Christian has a vocation or calling, and this includes responsibilities towards the care of creation. Thus, for Lutherans, environmental stewardship is not merely an optional virtue but an essential aspect of faithful Christian living.

In summary, Lutherans approach environmentalism with a deep-rooted theological framework that emphasizes the biblical mandate for stewardship, the interconnectedness of all creation, and the redemptive purpose of God's work in the world. By integrating these principles into their faith practice, Lutherans strive to fulfill their calling to care for God's creation and promote sustainable living practices for the flourishing of all life on earth.