Creation From Above
Revelation comes in two volumes—the Bible and nature. That insight has been attributed to Saint Thomas Aquinas, and, indeed, the central texts of many of the world’s great religions—the Bible, the Torah, the Koran, the Upanishads—all urge adherents to reflect on the Creator’s presence in the natural world and the messages concealed therein.
So began a recent article in Life Magazine (included in Friday's Tribune). The article focused on the photography of Bernhard Emaier. Check out the slideshow in Life and then Ermair's website. The pics are awe-inspiring and gorgeous.
I have no idea if Emaier is a Christian, but I thought it was an interesting way to frame the article. Was the author drawn by the design and beauty of the creation to think about the Creator?
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. --Romans 1:20The article also includes this paragraph. . .
The deep beauty of these scenes cries out for stewardship. That can be agreed upon in red states and blue, in coffee shops and ivory towers, in mosques, temples, and churches—and in universities. We can all agree on the need for stewardship; it’s an obligation as old as human culture.I agree that we have a responsibility for creation care based on the creation mandate. Ought we not to be as Christians pro-life and pro-environment?
7 comments:
soooo.....?
What's the creation mandate?
Anonymous if that is a serious question then: the creation mandate refers to Genesis Ch 1 verses 26-31 where man was created and given care of the earth. If you want a thorough explanation try a google search, you will be amazed what you find. This explanation on the intervarsity site seemed pretty good to me:
http://www.ivmdl.org/wil.cfm?
study=140
I think that we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the world God created and protectors of innocent life. I have never understood why they are discussed as if they goals that are in opposition.
Thanks Suzette,
I agree with the mandate but, don't you believe as a Christian that it would be a fruit of being Christ's that you would naturally be responsible, if you were in the word at all?
Danger of labels
I'm for the environment as a steward in this regards: God created it, let's utilize it, but with careful respect that this is God's creation. That doesn't mean I'm for making evironmental concerns my #1 priority as eco-warrior ready to block oil drills off the Pacific Coast.
In healthy discussions of the Christian's place in this world, or the Christian's view of the world it seems as if there needs to be an asterick to our discussions. If one takes the stance, "This environment is God's creation, but it's not our home. People come first." This is interpreted as you don't care for the environment and you wouldn't bat an eye with the Exxon Valdez disaster repeating again you zealot. Or if you took the stance, "A Christian should be taking care of the environment." You might be viewed as a saved eco-warrior.
We live in a world that even as Christians we're ready to slap a label on one another: "Saved eco-warrior who calls Al Gore your brother" or "You don't care about the earth or puppies as a Christian".
We Christians go down the slippery slope with further labels like "Charismatics"; "Baptist"; "Free Evangelical" and we have direct definition of those people, and those definitions are not as accurate as we think.
A person can stand for something and still have their priorities correct.
As Christians we must not lose our childlike wonder, and awe of Creation. We should be examples as caretakers of the earth in respect to recyling, and supporting National Parks for the enjoyment of future generations. Creation preserved speaks of the glory of God, and that's why I like being in it more than a big city (the glory of man).
However, if you asked me who comes first? People always.
I'd cut down an entire forest to shelter people who are homeless, but I'd also be one to say "Don't litter in the forest."
Amen! Brother
Go Gordon, It's your Birthday!
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