Connecting to creation


Posted by admin on Mar 23, 2010 in Issues & Ideas | 0 comments

The “environment” is a hot topic today. Most people, whether Christian or not, agree that the environment is suffering and that we are not looking after it as we should. We urge citizens, corporations and governments to treat the environment with more care and respect.

As Christians, we generally use the term “environment” to describe our world because that is the common terminology, but perhaps we do not realize that the very word we use is central to the problem.

The environment is often defined in science textbooks as the sum of all living and non-living elements around us. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the environment is everything that surrounds us, including all conditions that influence us.

This suggests that the earth is a habitat in which we carry out human existence. While it may seem obvious that humans are a part of the environment, the word itself does not conjure an image of humans and animals interconnected with the earth. In using the word “environment,” we (perhaps without realizing it) perpetuate the idea that humans and the earth are two separate entities. “Environment” is a word of abstraction. Our abstraction from the earth is precisely the reason why we can destroy without batting an eye.

Describing the world as the “environment” is not only cold and abstract, but more importantly, it leaves out the Creator. As followers of Christ, we see the world through a different lens. We believe that the world didn’t come together through a series of random events, but was lovingly hand-crafted by God; therefore, the earth is a work of art. Every leaf and lizard, fern and fish was placed in perfect balance with the rest of creation. While it seems obvious, we still have not grasped that our relationship with the Creator should completely change how we treat creation.

It’s not that the word “environment” is wrong, however one might pose this question: does it do justice to the splendour of the earth as created by God? I truly believe that if we start using the word “creation” instead of “environment,” we would begin to change how we view and treat the earth. Speaking of the “creation” would not only remind us of the reasons to care for our world, but would give credit where due: to the One who formed the earth from nothing.

My roommate is an artist. I enjoy her paintings for their colour, beauty and intricate detail. Would I ever take a painting of hers and walk all over it? No. Not only would I no longer get to enjoy the art (or would anyone after me), but I would greatly insult the artist, as if I were saying: “your creation means nothing to me.” Knowing the creator of the art causes me to automatically care for and respect her paintings, her creations.

Our actions are imbedded in our worldview. We know the Creator. We know we are created beings designed to live in community with the rest of creation. Instead of thinking of the “environment” and the earth as something separate from us, let’s open our eyes to the wonder of “creation.” I urge you to reflect on the many reasons we have to treat creation with more care and respect. Let your relationship with the Creator cause you to love all He
has created.