1.1.2 Nature and value of planet earth/the environment

Question 1

What do christians believe about planet earth in relation to God’s creation? What is a biblical quote to support this?

Answer 1

Christians believe that as God’s creation (Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, when God created the universe”) planet earth is precious and ought to be valued and respected and that the earth and everything in/on it belongs to God.
* “The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it” Psalm 24:1

Question 2

What is the creation of planet earth an act of? What Biblical quote supports this?

Answer 2

The creation of planet earth is an act of providence – an example of God doing something for his purpose. The earth is not simply for human habitation. We may have a unique status and a special role in creation (as Genesis 1 and Psalm 8 tell us), but it would be a mistake to argue from that that it all exists solely, or even primarily, for our sake. It exists first and foremost for God and has a value all of its own in his sight.
* “You use the winds as your messengers and flashes of lightning as your servants” Psalm 104:4

Question 3

What do many christians believe about the Garden of Eden?

Answer 3

The creation account in Genesis 2 refers to the “Garden of Eden”, many Christians believe this to be a metaphor for planet earth and interpret it as suggesting that God created a perfect, harmonious and balanced earth. This is further demonstrated in Genesis 1 where following creation God “…saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good…”.

Question 4

What is stewardship and how does it relate to humans and god?

Answer 4

To maintain this balance God appointed humans stewards – Genesis 1. According to this passage humanity is to have a relationship with planet earth, it is not merely a resource or a stage on which human history is to be played out. Humans have a responsibility towards the planet, this further reinforces the value of the planet for God – that he should want it to be cared for and respected.

Question 5

What do christians believe the natural world reveals about God?

Answer 5

As Gods creation many Christians believe that the natural world reveals something of God. Some argue that the complexities and wonders of nature reveal design – that design not chance are the cause of planet earth and that such intricacy must be the result of an intelligent designer. For example, the human eye or the fact that every snowflake is different.

Question 6

How is God experienced for some christians?

Answer 6

For some Christians God is experienced through nature. When they stand and see the interconnectedness, complexity and diversity of nature they experience a sense of awe (a feeling of respect and that there is a greater meaning and purpose behind things) and wonder (amazement at the complexity and beauty of the universe) and feel there must be something behind it all.

Question 7

How do many christians celebrate planet earth?

Answer 7

Many Christians celebrate the wonder of planet earth through harvest festival services, where God as sustainer is thanked and the important relationship between humanity and the earth is remembered (i.e. that the earth provides for humans and that humans are dependent and effected by the earth).

Question 8

How does the Bible reinforce the idea that human actions affect the world? (quote)

Answer 8

‘Despair, all you farmers! Wail, all you vine growers! Weep, because the wheat and barley – yes, all the field crops – are ruined. The grapevines and the fig trees have all withered. The pomegranate trees, palm trees, and apple trees – yes, all the fruit trees – have dried up. All joy has dried up with them.’
Joel 1:11 – 12

Question 9

What does Joel 1:11 – 12 teach about selfishness and irresponsibility?

Answer 9

The quote should not be taken to mean that God uses disasters to punish people – more that when people act selfishly or irresponsibly, there are often negative consequences for our world.

Question 10

Where does the belief of stewardship come from - duties?

Answer 10

Christian’s believe they have a duty to care for the environment and all its inhabitants. This belief is called stewardship and is based on Genesis 1:28; here God gives humans the responsibility of caring for the earth. Christians, therefore, believe they should be concerned about the environment because in doing this they are fulfilling God’s will and one of their purposes in life.

Question 11

Where does the belief of stewardship come from - God’s belonging?

Answer 11

Christians believe that the environment should be cared for as it was created by God and therefore belongs to God. It is not ours to do with as we wish – Christians believe they should respect and preserve that which God has created. This is a way of showing obedience and love for God.

Question 12

What else does genesis suggest about God’s creation earth and how does this relate to how humans should treat it? - give an example

Answer 12

• Genesis also suggests that God created earth perfect, balanced and harmonious – everything has a purpose and is connected to something else. If this balance is disrupted it can cause great pain and suffering to humans and animals.
• For example, polluting a local river could damage the health of those who rely on it for food and water.

Question 13

How can the environment relate to fulfilling the law of love?

Answer 13

Christians believe they have a duty to show love and compassion to others. Caring for the environment is one way in which they can fulfil this obligation.

Question 14

How do most christians interpret Genesis in terms of using the earth?(3)

Answer 14

• Most Christians interpret Genesis to mean that humans can use the earth’s resources to meet human needs (e.g. food, shelter, heat, clothing, medicines, power and so on) but they should not abuse them.
• This means that humans should not take more than is needed and should not exploit resources out of greed and a desire for wealth. * Love of God, his creation and others should come before anything else.

Question 15

What does the principle and duty of stewardship mean?

Answer 15

The principle and duty of stewardship means that Christians should work to preserve the balance and harmony in creation. Christians should avoid anything that causes unnecessary harm to the environment or its inhabitants and they should speak out against those whose actions do cause harm. Humans have been given responsibility for the earth, but not ownership.

Question 16

How could a Christian fulfil the obligation of stewardship?(7)

Answer 16

• Avoid buying products from companies that have a bad environmental record or which cause unnecessary suffering to humans or animals.
• Avoid purchasing anything that has been genetically modified.
• Recycle.
• Buy paper or wood products that have been sourced by sustainable forests.
• Donate time or money to organisations that help to raise awareness of and correct environmental problems.
• Turn vegetable peelings and waste from food into compost to use on the garden. Avoid the use of chemicals and pesticides in the garden.
• Create a garden that is beneficial to wildlife

Question 17

What Biblical passages provide specific instructions for caring for the natural world?

Answer 17

‘Plant and harvest your crops for six years, but let the land rest and lie fallow during the seventh year. Then let the poor among you harvest any volunteer crop that may come up. Leave the rest for the animals to eat. The same applies to your vineyards and olive groves.’
(Exodus 23:10-11)

Question 18

Which Biblical passage gave instructions in times of warfare regarding fruit trees?

Answer 18

When you are besieging a town and the war drags on, do not destroy the trees. Eat the fruit, but do not cut down the trees. They are not enemies that need to be attacked!’
(Deuteronomy 20: 19)

Question 19

What is environmental sustainability?

Answer 19

Ensuring that the demands placed on natural resources can be met without reducing capacity to allow all people and other species of animals, as well as plant life, to live well, now and in the future.

Question 20

Where do Buddhist attitudes on the environment come from? And what do these terms mean?

Answer 20

• Buddhist attitudes towards the environment are based on the Buddhist principles of pratityasamutpada and karma.
• The principle of pratityasamutpada (dependent origination) teaches that all things are dependent on other things for their existence – all things are interrelated.
• According to the principle of karma, all actions have proportionate consequences.

Question 21

What does the principle of pratityasamutpada suggest when applied to the environment?(4)

Answer 21

• When applied to the environment, this principle suggests that humans and the environment are interdependent – humans have an effect on the environment and the environment has an effect on us.
• Human wellbeing is dependent on the environment – it provides us with food, water, fuel and oxygen.
• If the environment is damaged, it follows that humans will also be affected. * Humans have a responsibility to care for the environment because we are dependent on it.

Question 22

What does the principle of karma suggest when applied to the environment?

Answer 22

• Unskilful actions which are motivated by selfishness and greed will damage the environment and bring about effect negative consequences for humans.
• Skilful actions which care for and sustain the environment will result in positive consequence for humans.

Question 23

What is the principle of the Right Action and how does it relate to the environment?

Answer 23

The principle of Right action guides Buddhist to avoid harmful actions, this applies to actions which effect the natural world as much as it does actions which effect living creatures.
By living in an environmentally sustainable way Buddhists practice right action.

Question 24

What is the second Precept and how does it relate to the environment?

Answer 24

In addition, the second Precept – do not take what is not freely given – also applies to the natural world; humans have taken more than they need from the natural world and this has caused imbalance and suffering all living things.
By living in an environmentally sustainable way Buddhists fulfil the second precept.

Question 25

What do Buddhists believe about the status of humans in relation to other beings and the environment?(4)

Answer 25

• Buddhists are concerned with the suffering of all sentient beings, not just humans and try to avoid unskilful actions which contribute to suffering – in doing this they practise metta (loving-kindness).
• Buddhists do not agree with the Christian belief that humans have a higher status than other living creatures or that humans have been given the special responsibility of stewardship.
• Instead, they believe that the human ability to develop wisdom, mindfulness, compassion and loving-kindness gives them a special responsibility to direct these to all living beings.
• Humans have abilities that other living creatures do not possess and these should be used to overcome and prevent suffering and to act as global citizens.

Question 26

How do humanists feel about the planet and its value?

Answer 26

The acceptance of the theories of the big bang and evolution does not mean that humanists don’t value the planet - they do, but for different reasons to Christians. For Christians, the planet is valuable because it was created by God for his purpose. For humanists, the planet is valuable for a number of reasons.

Question 27

Why is the planet valuable to humanists?(3)

Answer 27

• It is valuable because it is unique – it is the only one of its kind and so should be protected.
• It is valuable because it is remarkable that it even exists given the numerous conditions that had to be correct for a planet that could sustain life to emerge.
• It is valuable because it supports human life.

Question 28

Who is H4BW, what are their aims, and how do they feel about the environment?

Answer 28

• Humanists for a better world (H4BW) is a humanist group which was set up in 2011.
• It aims to create networks for Humanists to share ideas about the need to be active in campaigning on issues such as peace and international co-operation, global justice, climate change and the environment.
• They argue that the future of the world is in our hands and if we do not act now we will do irreparable damage to the planet.

Question 29

What is a quote that proves Humanists are passionate about the environment and individual responsibility?

Answer 29

“The humanist perspective places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility for our actions and the importance of social co-operation, and we very much hope that Humanists for a Better World can build upon this tradition”
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of the BHA

Question 30

When making decision about how to live, what principles/approaches may humanists be guided by?

Answer 30

• Humanists believe that human beings alone are responsible for making the world a better place. This is the one life we have and so we need to make the most of it. Humanists believe we need to consider the impact of our actions on people’s welfare. As this is the one life we have we should aim to promote happiness and reduce suffering in the here and now. According to this view, actions which help human life to flourish are worth pursuing but actions which will cause humans to suffer should be avoided; humanists would therefore try to avoid actions which might contribute to climate change as the effects of this can cause poverty, famine, homeless and disease.
• Many humanists try to follow the Golden Rule ‘Treat other people as you’d want to be treated in their situation’ or ‘Do not treat others in a way you would not like to be treated yourself.
• When making moral decisions we can consider the facts of the case, and the likely consequences of our actions. We can imagine what the world would be like if everybody acted the same way as us.
• We have a responsibility to be responsible ancestors and not to store up problems and suffering for future generations.