Save Our Planet
By Randy Marshall, Pastor
First Baptist Church, Dickinson, TX
DMin Student, Houston Graduate School of Theology.
“Save our planet.” The small phrase printed on a neatly folded placard on the bathroom counter loomed large as my sleepy eyes prepared for the new day. Life can be funny. One minute I am out of town spending a few days at a medium-priced hotel. The next I am invited to be an active participant in a noble process that could make a global difference beyond my wildest imagination. The full message read:
SAVE OUR PLANET
Dear Guest,
Every day millions of gallons of water are used to wash towels that have only been used once.
You make the choice:
A towel on the rack means “I will use again.”
A towel on the floor means “Please replace.”
Thank you for helping us conserve the Earth’s vital resources.
I had no idea that such a small act could make such a cosmic difference. It must be true. There it was, written in green and white prominently placed on the countertop beside my complimentary soap. Though reusing that damp towel was not as appealing as the dry one located next to it, my sacrificial act was contributing to something much larger. I was saving the cosmos, while at the same time saving housekeeping some work.
Wanting to go the extra mile, I thought, “Why not just eliminate the towel altogether?” Why not use the hair dryer located on the hotel wall? Maybe someone could invent a body dryer. That would really save the planet, right? Wrong. Apparently, electricity is one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions.
According to the British organization, Carbon Footprint, carbon emissions lead to global warming, which could apparently destroy the planet. Don’t worry though, the environmental organization can help you deal with nasty planet-destroying carbons. By utilizing their website you can determine the size of your carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is an indication of how big a mess you are making of planet earth. The bigger your footprint, the more responsible you are for cleaning up your residue.
On the website, you can do three things. First, calculate the size of your footprint by answering several questions relating to your lifestyle. Second, find ways to reduce the size of your footprint. Third, buy carbon footing offsets. An offset is a compensation to help other parts of the world to make up for your big carbon foot. It seems that if everyone in the world would just do their part, the planet could truly be saved. Carbon Footprint has generously offered to receive your payment online.[1]
Let’s face it—it’s easy to relegate the “save the planet” mantra to the overly-concerned conservationists, the indomitable alarmists, and the impressionable populace. We read placards, listen to politicians, and watch documentaries with the same level of interest that we give to airline stewardesses describing what to do in case of an emergency. We give a polite nod of acknowledgment and go back to the routine that we call life. The fact is, if we set aside the hype, look past the political rhetoric, and simply consider the facts, our planet is undergoing some tremendous stresses. Some are under reported, some are over reported, some have minimal effects, and some are potentially catastrophic. Nevertheless, like any critical issue, Christians need an appropriate response.
The word “ecology” comes from two words: eco, from the Greek word oikos, meaning “house” and ology from the Greek logia, which means “study.” The word ecology then is literally, “the study of the house.” As responsible Christians, our “theology”, the study of God, must address our “ecology”, the study of the house.
When it comes to an ecological understanding of our world, we need to apply the theological worldview of Psalm 24: “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (v. 1). The ecological debate takes on a new meaning when we consider that this eco-house is God’s house. The earth is the Lord’s. Everything and everyone in it belongs to God (Job 41:11; Ps 50:10, 12).
The book of Genesis gives us a compelling ecological picture. With a word, God called the world into being. He formed light, air, water, land, fish, animals, everything that we call earth. Each day, with his same miraculous voice, God would proclaim, “And it was good.” On the sixth day, God created what he considered the pinnacle of creation—humankind. Following that day, God concluded: “Behold, it was very good.” The earth: birds, bugs, bears, fawn, flora, flesh, rainforests, redbuds, and robins were all created and are all under the watchful care of a loving God.
Ecology is not the dream child of some political candidate or naturalistic nut, but rather from God—a house that the Creator remarkably built and continues to shape. The beginning of our ethical response to environmental issues is not by addressing the hot topic of the day. Rather, we begin with a careful reading and thoughtful study of God’s Word. As with all ethical dilemmas, the Scripture is our guide to interpreting the world around us.
It is important to note that not everyone holds a Christian view of ecology. Worldviews on the issue are wide and diverse. If we are not careful, our biblical understanding can be contorted by warped worldly images. Norman Geisler points out that there are at least two other major worldviews regarding the environment that stand in opposition to a Christian viewpoint. The first of these is materialism. The materialist would say that all of the discussion being expressed today about global warming, diminishing rain forests, and extinction of species is pointless. One humanistic assumption is that energy is unlimited. “Energy in some form will always be available for our use. We may run out of certain forms, at least for a time, but human ingenuity will always create new forms to supply human needs.”[2] The humanist would say, “We can do whatever we want to our planet because humans will always find a solution.”
On the other extreme of the spectrum are the pantheists who virtually worship nature. “They oppose drilling for oil offshore, building dams, using insecticides . . . and any other human interventions that disturb the natural environment.”[3] This worldview teaches that everything in nature is alive and part of a soul or life-force that becomes one great living organism.
Neither materialism nor pantheism is a Christian worldview. The Christian response to ecological issues should not be contingent on the superiority of man or the frailty of earth. Rather the Christian must humbly and honestly look at issues and respond with the desire to please the Creator. The house that God built is distinctly God’s house. The ethical response of Christians should be based upon this basic premise.
So, our role is not to save the planet. We do not have that kind of power or authority. Our spiritual role entails being good stewards in overseeing our corner of the world, fulfilling our role as described in Genesis 1:28. Good stewardship is doing little things like adjusting the thermostat, filling the dishwasher with a full load, buying a smaller car, purchasing energy-saving bulbs, installing another layer of insulation in the attic, purchasing a high efficiency showerhead, watering the lawn instead of the sidewalk, recycling, and a host of other acts that just make good sense. We must pay attention to the things that we do every day, both large and small.
Yes, attempt the big things as well. Be informed of the critical ecological issues of our world. Broaden your support of legislation that is fair and balanced in protecting the environment while still allowing sensible progress. Share your thoughts and actions with others. Being eco-friendly may seem overwhelming at times, and even hopelessly pointless. Nevertheless, keep striving. Be a positive, well-informed voice in your community. Faithfully seek and follow God’s leading knowing that in doing so, the owner of the house is well-pleased.
