Christians Need To Take Action In Regards To Pollution In The Environment
Christians Need to Take Action in Regards to Pollution in the Environment
Victoria Geldard
Liberty University
Abstract
Of all the gifts Christians have been given; one that stands out the most is the environment. The environment is full of God’s majestic works and creations. Why would anyone want to intentionally pollute such an environment? Skies are meant to be viewed with vivacious color, not filled with fog. Keep America clean.
Christians Need to Take Action in Regards to Pollution in the Environment There are many reasons why Christians should take a stand to preserve and restore the environment. Psalms 24:1 reveals, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalms 24:1, ESV). Christians have a responsibility to take care of what they have been given. If the earth is to be fruitful and blessed, it is imperative that Christians change their ways. Christians need to take action in regards to pollution in the environment, as well as its preservation …show more content…
and restoration. Pollution is “the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment” (Pollution, Dictionary.com). Pollution has been an ongoing concern for centuries. The Bible even speaks of burying the dead and polluting the land in Numbers chapter 35. Water, ground, and air pollution originate from things such as oil spills, automobiles, raw sewage, deforestation, and a large variety of other toxic waste. Pollution not only affects our land but the health of people. The pollution breaks down the earth’s surface and soil over time due to irresponsible actions of humans. Many medical conditions and even deaths have been and are still caused by pollution. Some medical conditions are caused by pollution which can result from abuses of fertilizers, dump sites, pesticides, and septic tanks that have leaks. In Donora, Pennsylvania, in 1948, a lethal smog that was created by a major industrial air pollution killed twenty people, and 7,000 became sick (Water and Air Pollution, 2009). This is just one of many examples of how pollution is very harmful. Animals are also affected by pollution. Acid rain, oil spills, pesticides, and toxic metals are very hazardous pollutions that have had very serious effects on wildlife. It is evident that pollution has been and continues to be a major problem across the globe. Christians have been given dominion over the earth. Therefore, this calls for a responsibility of stewardship. From the very beginning, God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden to work and preserve it. “Owners have rights; stewards have responsibilities” (Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship, 2012). Stewardship demands obedience. This gives a true meaning to the word obedience. If Christians are going to be obedient, they must carry out the commands that God has instructed. With that being said, they must preserve and restore the environment. Their vision should include godly wisdom and faith-based views to organize our environmental stewardship. “God implies that we are morally accountable to him for treating creation in a manner that best serves the objectives of the kingdom of God” (A Biblical Perspective On Environmental Stewardship, 2015). Stewardship requires action, and raises the question of “How have Christians taken care of what they have been given to oversee?” The world has many pollutants, and the American people have continued to live so selfishly. The expense that pollution is costing the world only proves the irresponsibility of not only Christian’s stewardship but all Americans’ stewardship. In improving the environment and pollution issues, Christians must take a stand. There is a variety of means to begin the clean-up process, even beginning with small steps. One process may even begin in your own backyard. Using plants that are native to your area and using natural fertilizers and composts are very good sources for holding the ground’s moisture. Using these natural remedies will eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. Moreover, this will provide a better environment for the birds and other animals. Trash is a major factor when it comes to pollution. Christians need to learn and explore their options of different ways to dispose of and recycle their disposable products. It’s important to know which products are hazardous and contain toxic substances. Disposing of toxic waste improperly can lead to contaminating our drinking water and be very dangerous to our health. Local authorities, sanitation programs, environmental groups, and “take-back” programs are good sources to use for pollution education purposes (How to Clean Up Our Water, 2012). Small steps may be taken when considering helping the air pollution when using personal hygiene products. For example, replacing the use of an aerosol can with a pump spray. Aerosol sprays are flammable, and when used they put off unhealthy chemicals into the air. Changing the mind set when purchasing cleaning products will ultimately have a positive effect on the environment. Many household cleaning products expose us to hazardous chemicals. “According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only a fraction of the more than 75,000 registered chemicals have gone through complete testing for human health concerns” (How to Reduce Toxic Chemicals in Your Home, Why Reduce Toxics section, para. 1). With that being said, it should raise a red flag of concern and cause a great deal of thought on what is being purchased and used. God made and intended the body to be a temple. It is written in the Bible, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV). Therefore, Christians should treat their bodies as such. When a person knowingly uses products that are harmful to the temple (body), they are basically sinning against God. There is a level of responsibility that a Christian should take and strive to uphold to protect the body. Pollution in a whole can be very devastating if not controlled. This will bring much distress to the body itself. The old saying, “trash-in trash-out” speaks for itself. If the pollution issue is not taken seriously, it effects the whole body (temple). There are many Christians who believe they are already doing enough in regards to helping with pollution. They also believe they do not really have a responsibility here on earth because their real home is in heaven. On the contrary, Christians do have and are expected to care and preserve what has been given to them here on earth, “As Christians in the 21st century, we need to embrace this larger biblical view of stewardship, which goes beyond church budgets or building projects, though important; it connects everything we do with what God is doing in the world” (Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship, 2012). It is arrogant to think that God would give us dominion over the earth and not expect us to keep it sacred. There are many rewards and blessings that are missed due to selfish acts of disobedience. America must change their entire thought process in regards to pollution in order to hear the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship, 2012).
References
A Biblical Perspective on Environmental Stewardship.
(2015, January 1). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://www.acton.org/public-policy/environmental-stewardship/theology- e/biblical-perspective-environmental-stewardship
Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship. (2012, November 26). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://blog.tifwe.org/four-principles-of-biblical-stewardship/
How to Clean Up Our Water. (2012, August 22). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/gsteps.asp
How to Reduce Toxic Chemicals in Your Home. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://156.98.19.245/toxics/
Pollution. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved March 04, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pollution
Water and Air Pollution. (2009, January 1). Retrieved March 4, 2015, from
http://www.history.com/topics/water-and-air-pollution
Week 7 Outline/Thesis
Thesis statement: Christians need to take action in regards to pollution in the environment, as well as its preservation and restoration.
I. Introduction
a. Hook audience
b. Deliver firm/explicit claim
II. Definition/Historical Context
III. Christians Have a Responsibility of Stewardship to Take Care of the Environment
a. Evidence/Reason
b. Warrant
c. Backing
IV. Christians Must Take a Stand in Improving our Environment/Pollution Issues
a. Evidence/Reason
b. Warrant
c. Backing
V. As Christians our Bodies Are a Temple of God and; Therefore, Should be Taken Care Of
a. Evidence/Reason
b. Warrant
c. Backing
VI. Rebuttal against Christians Who Think They Do Enough to Help the Environment
a. Concession
b. Refutation
VII. Conclusion
Victoria Geldard
Liberty University
Abstract
Of all the gifts Christians have been given; one that stands out the most is the environment. The environment is full of God’s majestic works and creations. Why would anyone want to intentionally pollute such an environment? Skies are meant to be viewed with vivacious color, not filled with fog. Keep America clean.
Christians Need to Take Action in Regards to Pollution in the Environment There are many reasons why Christians should take a stand to preserve and restore the environment. Psalms 24:1 reveals, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalms 24:1, ESV). Christians have a responsibility to take care of what they have been given. If the earth is to be fruitful and blessed, it is imperative that Christians change their ways. Christians need to take action in regards to pollution in the environment, as well as its preservation …show more content…
and restoration. Pollution is “the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment” (Pollution, Dictionary.com). Pollution has been an ongoing concern for centuries. The Bible even speaks of burying the dead and polluting the land in Numbers chapter 35. Water, ground, and air pollution originate from things such as oil spills, automobiles, raw sewage, deforestation, and a large variety of other toxic waste. Pollution not only affects our land but the health of people. The pollution breaks down the earth’s surface and soil over time due to irresponsible actions of humans. Many medical conditions and even deaths have been and are still caused by pollution. Some medical conditions are caused by pollution which can result from abuses of fertilizers, dump sites, pesticides, and septic tanks that have leaks. In Donora, Pennsylvania, in 1948, a lethal smog that was created by a major industrial air pollution killed twenty people, and 7,000 became sick (Water and Air Pollution, 2009). This is just one of many examples of how pollution is very harmful. Animals are also affected by pollution. Acid rain, oil spills, pesticides, and toxic metals are very hazardous pollutions that have had very serious effects on wildlife. It is evident that pollution has been and continues to be a major problem across the globe. Christians have been given dominion over the earth. Therefore, this calls for a responsibility of stewardship. From the very beginning, God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden to work and preserve it. “Owners have rights; stewards have responsibilities” (Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship, 2012). Stewardship demands obedience. This gives a true meaning to the word obedience. If Christians are going to be obedient, they must carry out the commands that God has instructed. With that being said, they must preserve and restore the environment. Their vision should include godly wisdom and faith-based views to organize our environmental stewardship. “God implies that we are morally accountable to him for treating creation in a manner that best serves the objectives of the kingdom of God” (A Biblical Perspective On Environmental Stewardship, 2015). Stewardship requires action, and raises the question of “How have Christians taken care of what they have been given to oversee?” The world has many pollutants, and the American people have continued to live so selfishly. The expense that pollution is costing the world only proves the irresponsibility of not only Christian’s stewardship but all Americans’ stewardship. In improving the environment and pollution issues, Christians must take a stand. There is a variety of means to begin the clean-up process, even beginning with small steps. One process may even begin in your own backyard. Using plants that are native to your area and using natural fertilizers and composts are very good sources for holding the ground’s moisture. Using these natural remedies will eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. Moreover, this will provide a better environment for the birds and other animals. Trash is a major factor when it comes to pollution. Christians need to learn and explore their options of different ways to dispose of and recycle their disposable products. It’s important to know which products are hazardous and contain toxic substances. Disposing of toxic waste improperly can lead to contaminating our drinking water and be very dangerous to our health. Local authorities, sanitation programs, environmental groups, and “take-back” programs are good sources to use for pollution education purposes (How to Clean Up Our Water, 2012). Small steps may be taken when considering helping the air pollution when using personal hygiene products. For example, replacing the use of an aerosol can with a pump spray. Aerosol sprays are flammable, and when used they put off unhealthy chemicals into the air. Changing the mind set when purchasing cleaning products will ultimately have a positive effect on the environment. Many household cleaning products expose us to hazardous chemicals. “According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only a fraction of the more than 75,000 registered chemicals have gone through complete testing for human health concerns” (How to Reduce Toxic Chemicals in Your Home, Why Reduce Toxics section, para. 1). With that being said, it should raise a red flag of concern and cause a great deal of thought on what is being purchased and used. God made and intended the body to be a temple. It is written in the Bible, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV). Therefore, Christians should treat their bodies as such. When a person knowingly uses products that are harmful to the temple (body), they are basically sinning against God. There is a level of responsibility that a Christian should take and strive to uphold to protect the body. Pollution in a whole can be very devastating if not controlled. This will bring much distress to the body itself. The old saying, “trash-in trash-out” speaks for itself. If the pollution issue is not taken seriously, it effects the whole body (temple). There are many Christians who believe they are already doing enough in regards to helping with pollution. They also believe they do not really have a responsibility here on earth because their real home is in heaven. On the contrary, Christians do have and are expected to care and preserve what has been given to them here on earth, “As Christians in the 21st century, we need to embrace this larger biblical view of stewardship, which goes beyond church budgets or building projects, though important; it connects everything we do with what God is doing in the world” (Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship, 2012). It is arrogant to think that God would give us dominion over the earth and not expect us to keep it sacred. There are many rewards and blessings that are missed due to selfish acts of disobedience. America must change their entire thought process in regards to pollution in order to hear the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship, 2012).
References
A Biblical Perspective on Environmental Stewardship.
(2015, January 1). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://www.acton.org/public-policy/environmental-stewardship/theology- e/biblical-perspective-environmental-stewardship
Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship. (2012, November 26). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://blog.tifwe.org/four-principles-of-biblical-stewardship/
How to Clean Up Our Water. (2012, August 22). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/gsteps.asp
How to Reduce Toxic Chemicals in Your Home. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://156.98.19.245/toxics/
Pollution. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved March 04, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pollution
Water and Air Pollution. (2009, January 1). Retrieved March 4, 2015, from
http://www.history.com/topics/water-and-air-pollution
Week 7 Outline/Thesis
Thesis statement: Christians need to take action in regards to pollution in the environment, as well as its preservation and restoration.
I. Introduction
a. Hook audience
b. Deliver firm/explicit claim
II. Definition/Historical Context
III. Christians Have a Responsibility of Stewardship to Take Care of the Environment
a. Evidence/Reason
b. Warrant
c. Backing
IV. Christians Must Take a Stand in Improving our Environment/Pollution Issues
a. Evidence/Reason
b. Warrant
c. Backing
V. As Christians our Bodies Are a Temple of God and; Therefore, Should be Taken Care Of
a. Evidence/Reason
b. Warrant
c. Backing
VI. Rebuttal against Christians Who Think They Do Enough to Help the Environment
a. Concession
b. Refutation
VII. Conclusion