Monique Hall
English 101 LOU

Actions that Christians Should Take to Preserve and Restore the Environment Claim The topic of discussion weighs heavily on anthropologist, activist, politicians and those whose movement is geared to the preservation of the environment. As a result of the decomposing environment, the question of whose responsibility has moved from environmentalist those driven by scientific finding to Christians those whose love for Christ must now include the earth and inhabitants. God has supplied all our needs on completion of creating the earth, now the environment is at risk due to advance technology, pollution and climate control. As a believer of Christ there has to be a way that we can protect and restore what is being done to the Holy land. Forest are being destroyed to build up communities to meet the needs of our growing population. In which the land is suffering from the loss of trees that produce oxygen and keep the animals safe. According to Tikell, if something happens rapidly it is hardly recognized, but if it happens at a slower rate that is when it is noticed. (Tickell, 1990) The growth of a tree does not happen overnight, there is a process from seed time to the full development of a sprouting tree. In the same manner, the decomposition of the earth through decades of unfiltered toxins, fuels, limited regulations on air quality has sparked the ecological discussion “go green” has moved from the small group discussion to the forefront discussion in churches and news centers. God created the earth for man to inhabit it and to take care of all living things according to Isaiah 45:18. Unfortunately, due to wrongful actions of humans wanting technology y to be better and faster, there is a crisis. According to the article Keepers of the garden: Christians and the environment, “How should we as Christians respond to the ecological crisis we face today?” The first step would be to understand the biblical crisis of ecology and the reality of the crisis and some positive measures we can adopt. (Baldwin, 1992) As Christians we are change agents and therefore we must take a stand restoring what we know as creation; the garden; the earth. As it is stated in Genesis 1 after creating the land, God calls the Earth “good”(Genesis 1:10) The premise for the earth was to be fruitful and that man would not have to face the decomposition of land, air, the exchange of oxygen and carbon molecules was not a concern for man before sin entered into the world. As a result, the work of preservation became man’s responsibilities and redemption and restoration remains signified in God’s salvific promises to humanity by the shed blood. Grounds There are many reasons why Christians should preserve and restore the environment. First, we have to lead by example of being a good steward. According to the Bible “A man that does not work does not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10 ) in other words, mankind was placed here to work the lands and keep them, to preserve them when this is not done nothing can grow from a land that is dry and cannot produce good soil. The work in a post-industrial society does not include tilling the earth, farming, or the manual labor required before many of the technological advancement we are privy to have in modern society. However, the responsibility to preserve the earth through recycling, reducing carbon footprints is a small chore to advance a bigger commitment. “The first angel’s message in Revelation 14:7 carries significant environmental implications. The angel calls all inhabitants of Earth to “Worship him that made heaven, and earth very precious, even in its fallen conditions”. (Baldwin, 1992) This reminds us that we are still accountable when the land is good and when it is in the stages of demise by our own hands. Second, Christians should start to teach ways that will help preserve the earth such as recycling programs and teaching how to grow fruits and vegetables.

There is an urgency to address the deterioration of our environment cannot be the sole responsibility of Non-Christians, Christians should take the lead in the ongoing conversation encourage others to grow their own produce, it tends to be much healthier because there is no harsh chemicals added and plus it is a way to help control obesity in households. We can use compost for gardens.

Recycling can become a benefit to restoring the earth such as; reusing water bottles, use chemical friendly cleaning products, or make your own cleaning products. Apart from recycling, carpooling is another way to control your carbon footprint. In some countries like Tokyo not everyone owns a car, they own bicycles to travel to train stations to utilize efficient means of getting to work. (Baldwin, 1992) Warrant
According to the Bible not just Christians are needed to help preserve the earth but all that dwell on the land must do so. In order to eat humans must work the land in order to meet the need and supply for man to carry on and survive. Christians mind set should be to preserve the earth and to do what God has asked according to His word. God Himself planted a garden for the First man and woman with specific instructions “to dress” (maintain, cultivate) it and keep it” (Baldwin, 1992) Rebuttals

Backing Christians should be in the practice of preventing, preventing deforestation, climate control, amortization. Climate control, the ozone layer the glaciers melting rapidly and pollution: these are just a few things that are destroying our earth our Holy ground. (Kakaki, 2013) Another way to preserve the earth is by using compound florescent light bulbs, or energy efficient bulbs. When someone is not using the computer to turn it to sleep mode or shut it down, using the stairs opposed to taking the elevator.

Evidence that the climate is changing is the seasons are not as predictable anymore, the months may add up but the duration of winter is longer, snow storms and blizzards Tsunamis and hurricanes these are unpredictable as well, in countries where it is supposed to be nice and sunny out. Rainfall comes later in the year and lasts into much later months than usual. (Kakaki, 2013)

Failure to be an accountable steward hinders the preservation and restoration of the environment. This would lead to the decrease of drinkable water, and food to eat due to lack of reaction towards the destruction that is happening towards the entire garden. Berry says “We must rethink and refeel our nature and destiny” (Berry, 2000) the ethic should promote human activities that function in harmony with the ecological laws that sustain life on this earth. (Winnail, 2002)