I'm Converting to "Green Christianity"

Over the last year, I have been learning a lot about the Christian response to the environment.  Through some sermons, my RD (Katie Powell), and personal research, I have come to the firm decision that I must care for the environment.  

The first (and most important) reason is that I am accountable before God.  Genesis 2:15 shows God's intention for man and the environment: "The Lord God took the man [Adam] and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it."  We were intended to exercise wise stewardship of God's creation. 

The second reason is that it affects the people around me.  My actions affect other people, and will for generations to come.  I desire to serve others and provide a safe world for them. 

 

My two reasons can be summed up in Jesus' response to what the most important commandment is: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the Law and Prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40).  

Caring for the environment, among many other things, is an example of loving God and loving others.  I will seek to do this in my life; choosing wisely my foods, recycling, and protecting natural habitats.  I will slowly move in these directions and stand for what I believe, but will never allow for the environment to replace my dedication and worship of God.  

Do research for yourself, don't just listen to me.  I have included links to other Christian voices that are more knowledgeable than I:

Godly and Green

Creation Care

Theology of Ecology

Saving God's Green Earth