Ecology - Environment - Conservation - Nature

I believe that one of mankind's duties, as was first given to the first man Adam, is to be caretakers of the Earth.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.  Genesis 1:26-30

As caretakers of the planet, I feel we should continually practice the following things:
1) Only hunt or kill animals for food necessities and not for sport.
2) There are alternative sources for clothing other than animal hides but if the animal meat has been used then the hide and remaining animal parts should be used as well.
3) If trees and plants have been cut down, replant one or two in its place.
4) Try to do organic farming instead of using chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers.
5) Practice crop rotation to keep farm soil from depleting.
6) Don't litter! Always use trashcans and recycle trash when you have opportunity.
7) Turn off lights, appliances, and machinery when they are not in use.

Conclusion:
I'm not promoting a view that states that we are one with the environment. That sounds a bit too New-Agey or occultic. I think it is simply our duty to take care of what has been entrusted to us by God. Harming the environment isn't exactly going to separate you from God; rather, it may not be sin toward God. But, harming the environment and or misusing natural resources is a violation of our God-given caretaking duties. Now, don't think that if you begin protecting the environment you will be able to earn your way to Heaven. That just isn't so. We are saved by Grace through faith lest any man should boast. Wise use of natural resources is simply linked back to Adam's duties. Let's pray about how we can return to practicing wise caretaking of our environment as should be our common duty. I think it will help if we begin viewing environmental protection as safe guarding our children and descendants lives.

-- Jeremy Brown 2003
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