Global Warming and Christian Stewardship

There is, perhaps, no more pressing an issue that impacts the future of the human race than the debate over global warming. Whether global warming is occurring as part of a natural cycle of the earth or through CO2 emissions introduced into the atmosphere by mankind, has yet to be empirically proven. However, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that mankind’s contribution may be considerable enough to warrant a change in human habits. According to an article written by Rich Deem, atmospheric CO2 levels indicate a spike of 70 ppm—the quickest rise in CO2 levels over the last 650,000 years (2005). The best scientific evidence has been unable to find any natural causes, suggesting that if mankind fails to act, atmospheric CO2 levels will likely double in 150 years—potentially rendering the earth uninhabitable not long after (Deem, 2005). While scientists and politicians debate over what (if anything) should be done, many Christians are at odds as to why they should care. Regardless of the disagreements amongst dualists, defeatist, and biblical optimists, all Christians should do their part in the preservation and protection of the earth’s resources—partially because the earth does not belong to mankind, and mostly because God entrusted man to have dominion and stewardship over His creation.

According to the dualist view of Christianity the world is nothing more than a rest stop on the journey to eternal life. Dualists view the world as evil, and lacking of any redeemable value (Lewis, 2005). Although it is true that the earth is temporary, the belief that it is evil is without biblical foundation. Through this misconstrued, unbiblical view of the physical world dualists justify their mistreatment, neglect, and abuse of the worl...

... middle of paper ...

...tian view environmentalism?” Got Questions? http://www.gotquestions.org/environmentalism-Christian.html

(accessed July 08, 2011).

Deem, Rich. “Global Warming: Will Human-Induced Climate Change Destroy the World?" Evidence For God, January 20, 2010. http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/global_warming.html

(accessed July 08, 2011).

God. “The Bible” Bible Gateway. http://www.biblegateway.com.

(accessed July 08, 2011).

Lewis, Andy. “Environmental Stewardship: A Theological Model for the Environment.” The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commision, August 12, 2005. http://erlc.com/article/environmental-stewardship-a-theological-model-for-the-environment/

(accessed July 08, 2011).

Silvius, John E. “Christian Stewardship of the Environment.” Creation Social Science & Humanities Society. http://www.creationism.org/csshs/v10n3p24.htm

(accessed July 08, 2011).