Global warming and climate change are concepts that you will not see in the Bible. However, does this mean that as Christians we should just accept what’s happening around us as part of God’s grand design? While the Bible does not mention these terms, it is explicitly clear about our role in taking care of the earth.
Causes of Global Warming
One of the identified causes of global warming is the significant increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Apart from the lesser amount of carbon dioxide that humans release during the breathing process, the majority of these greenhouse gases come from cars, production factories, fertilizers, and other things that humans use regularly.
Natural occurrences such as volcanic eruptions or the sun’s radiation cycles could also contribute to global warming. However, there are no definitive studies yet that will conclude how much of the earth’s increase in temperature can be attributed to natural or artificial causes.
How Should Christians Respond to Global Warming
The issue does not lie on whether we are causing global warming or not. The more important question to ask is what are we going to do about it?
Revelation says:
“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire.” (16:8)
Should we accept global warming as an apocalyptic event? Or has God given us instructions on how we must deal with global warming and climate change?
God’s Specific Instructions
As stated in Genesis,
“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (1:28)
Even in the Bible’s first book, God has made it clear that we should have dominion over the earth and be good stewards.
All throughout the Bible, God has also given specific instructions on how we can make this happen. For instance, he gives the following instructions in Leviticus:
“For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a year ofSabbath rest, a Sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards.” (25:3-4)
He also told us to rely on His goodness and His sovereign will and to be totally dependent on Him by praying to Him, about the earth. In 2 Chronicles, He says:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (7:14)
Only God knows what will happen in the future. However, He has given us clear instructions on how we can be good stewards over all of His creation. Aside from His word, He has also given us advanced scientific and technical knowledge that we can use to alleviate global warming and heal the earth for the sake of future generations, who will inherit God’s blessings.
By signing the petition to make Creation Day an official holiday, we can spread awareness among fellow Christians about God’s mandate and our inherent role in taking care of the earth.