It was encouraging to see in the July 2010 issue of Christianity Today the article “Whole Earth Evangelism,” by Scott Sabin. The article talks about how in Genesis 2:15 Adam is called to serve and protect the garden of Eden. Likewise, Sabin contends, we are to take careful stewardship of the world around us. There’s even a recent editorial from CT on the issue. You might also take a gander over at The Evangelical Environmental Network, founded by a Drew University graduate school friend of mine, Jim Ball, who first coined the phrase, “What Would Jesus Drive?”
It’s nice to know that no matter where people might stand on the controversies that have come with regard to the human impact on the environment, we all agree that we do indeed have an impact. We can all join in the call in the Sabin article to be responsible with the resources with which we’ve been blessed.
I find hope when acting responsibly, when working to maintain the planet’s health and beauty all around us. It’s been encouraging, for example, to see the incredible cleanup effort marshaled around the Gulf oil spill, even though the effect of it won’t be fully known for some time to come. Although it marks a dark moment for the environment and those who live in the Gulf, you can’t help but be concerned, show you care, and perhaps find a way to rely a little less on fossil fuels. Steps like those add up, and bring an experience of hope when you take them.
