Christian stewardship (Christianity)
Description
Teachings of both Christianity and Judaism are basically ecological and supportive of sustained habitation of the Earth. The philosophy of Christian stewardship towards life and the Earth is therefore very old, although recent centuries have seen little emphasis on it. The current environmental debate has brought it back into the limelight as Christians see creation being degraded and they move back to embrace the Creator and to speak out for the Creator's works. There is recognition that belief in God as Redeemer requires belief in God as Creator. There are three sources of Christian stewardship: a deep and reflective study of the scriptures; learning from the cosmos; nurturing a life of spirituality. Scriptures show that humanity often behaves contrary to harmony and order, and that stewardship will not arise from simply being human. When arrogance, ignorance and greed prevail there is death as the integrity of creation is degraded. Behaviour in harmony with the cosmos and the Creator leads to life. Scriptures indicate that mankind does not own the earth but that all creatures have intrinsic values. Every creature and all creation requires a sabbath of fulfilment so that mankind should engage in loving keeping of the earth and its creatures. Christian stewardship is a work of Redemption, restoration and service.
There is much to be learned from creation, as the environment acts on living beings, society and human culture and they act on it in the integrated fabric of the biosphere. Understanding of the beauty, harmony and greatness of the cosmos and its creatures elicits awe and humility, the heart touched and transformed at this reflection of the creator. A world view embracing Christian stewardship elicits active striving to preserve and restore creation's integrity.
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Reference
Metadata
Database
Human development
Type
(H) Concepts of human development
Content quality
Yet to rate
Language
English
Last update
Dec 3, 2024