"THE EARTH IS THE LORD'S." So states the Psalmist (Psa. 24:1).
How then, given the controversy present climate change controversy, is the believer to relate to such? That change, to at least some degree, is under way is no longer at question. As to its meaning and defining of appropriate response, however, question and debate continues - increasingly along not only political but, in some instances, religious lines as well.
To some, the issue and attendant calls to counteraction finds impetus largely in the agenda of a liberal community committed to increasing governmental intervention and control. On the other hand, those opposed to offsetting measures are frequently seen in terms of those willing to risk the future for the sake of a more immediate dollar. There is probably a degree of truth in both charges.
What then of faith and environmental interests? Do, as charged by some, concerns regarding global warming constitute a "loss of spiritual perspective" and "drift toward liberalism?" As those following church related developments are aware, considerable debate is currently underway among some evangelicals (particularly in terms of the National Association of Evangelicals) regarding Christian responsibility and temporal issues.
By being "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:11,14), is the believer then to adopt an attitude of indifference regarding matters of which God Himself, in relating to mankind and the world in which he resides sees fit to involve Himself? Jesus, significantly, portrays the Father as not only "sending his rain on the just and unjust" (an obviously climatologically related event) but in so doing demonstrates His mercy to mankind in terms of the world in which he lives (Matt. 5:45; cf. Acts 14:17).
Despite its present woes and fallen state, the earth remains "the Lord's." Not only so but, as the Psalmist again expounds, He yet desires to be known as its Creator (Psa. 121:2, etc.). The foregoing logically renders the earth - an earth over which Christ shall one day reign (Rev. 11:15) - a valid concern of meaningful faith.
As believers, do we replace the Church's commission to proclaim the Gospel and its eternal realities with temporal earthly concerns? Of course not. The biblical paradigm is yet that "in all things Christ remain preeminent" (Col. 1:18).Failure at this point has constituted the source of breakdown in many religiously liberal circles. Nor, obviously, does the believer in any way identify with the pantheism of considerable radical environmentalism. At the same time, however, the believer's recognition of that world which God has created and yet claims as His own becomes a witness of faith to both Creator and promised day of restoration (Acts 3:21).
And finally: Despite an obviously more inclusive intent (e.g., eschatological implication of human "locust hordes" in Joel 2 and ultimate threat of human self-annihilation as likely outworking of nuclear devastation in Matthew 24:22), one might wish to also note Revelation 11:18: "the time came...to give their reward to Your bond-servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to those who fear Your name...and to destroy those who destroy the earth."
The earth is yet the Lord's. It should be so respected.
Burl Ratzsch
