Late on this Earth Day, I would like to just share a very brief post about this topic and related topics.
Biblical Christianity is not against the regarding of the lives of animals nor a proper stewardship of the earth. Proverbs 12:10a says “A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal[.]” Additionally, the idea that the earth is the LORD’s and we are created in His image would suggest we should take care of it, not withstanding the sometimes politically laden controversies about how human activity is hindering the environment.
This being said, there is something very different between the atheistic love for mother earth and the Christian’s perspective toward the environment. We recognize that (1) mankind was created as the crown of creation as the only beings created in God’s image, and is of greater value than animal life, and (2) we live in a fallen world due to mankind’s sin, thereby implying that we may never be able to truly preserve the environment.
Indeed, the best thing for both animals and the earth itself is for the Lord Jesus to return, accomplish the redemption of the world, and for the true sons of God, Christians, to be revealed and inherit all God has promised us. That will bring more blessing to the earth and its inhabitants, human and animal alike, than any Earth Day or march to that end. Just read these words from Romans 8:18-22:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.”
Biblical Worldview Musings 