Amy Schley, in writing for Ricochet.com in 2019, encapsulated a problem we face quite well.
“I think what divides us is a paradigm. It’s not exactly left vs. right, though there’s a lot of overlap. On one side, people think that humans are killing the planet, poisoning the environment with CO2 and pollution. They discourage people to have children and have convinced people to commit suicide to reduce their carbon footprint.
On the other is the belief that humans are a force for good in the world. That as we become wealthier, we are better able to care for our fellow humans and the rest of creation. That we should ‘go forth and multiply’ because the problems of humanity shouldn’t be solved by eliminating humanity but by humanity creating solutions.”
All this underscores a chasm that will not soon be remedied. As long as some see humans as the problem and others as the solution, we will square-off in the boxing ring of words—words that may lead to tribalism and violence.
Still, I’d like to argue for human enterprise and effective stewardship over creation.
To be fair, there is much we may be doing to harm our environment and each other. And those that raise their voices in concern often help us see what we may be missing. We need their cooperation and partnership to ensure the delicate balance necessary for a healthy ecosystem.
This said, it is clear from a biblical perspective that God created mankind to rule over and govern the resources of the earth.
In Genesis it states, “God blessed them (Adam and Eve) and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.’”
In the context of this verse, Biblehub.com suggests that “subdue” refers to humanity’s responsibility to steward and manage the earth, exercising wise dominion over it.
Rather than view humanity as a cancer upon earth, isn’t it more appealing to say that we have be given a gift? We are intended to grow in number, to live peacefully, and to see people as created beings intended to flourish.
Can we return to a principled acceptance of our mutual responsibilities? We have problems, but we are also able to solve problems. Again, Schley humorously illustrates our ingenuity, “In the 1800’s, there was concern that if cities kept growing, all the streets would be knee deep in horse poop. We solved the horse poop crisis with automobiles.”
She concludes, “I proudly stand on this side that says whatever problems humans create, we can fix. Which makes me incomprehensible to those who push for population control; inefficient toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers; carbon taxes; and the general attack on civilization.”
I confess; I am with Schley and more importantly, the bible.
Are we going to make mistakes, have challenges, and sometimes wait too long? Yes.
But my view is that God intended for us to work the soil, trim the trees, and enjoy the harvest. We are not an earthly disease. We are here on purpose and for a purpose.
Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church in Kingman, AZ.
