Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a day dedicated to environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970 and over the decades has grown into a global event with participants from over 190 countries. On Earth Day, people participate in various activities like planting trees, cleaning up litter, or attending rallies in support of environmental reforms. For Christians, participating in Earth Day may raise questions about how to reconcile care for God’s creation with faithfulness to biblical principles.
There are several perspectives Christians can take on observing Earth Day:
Viewpoint 1: Earth Day promotes views contradictory to the Bible
Some Christians are opposed to observing Earth Day because they see it as promoting worldviews contradictory to biblical principles. Here are some of their concerns:
- Earth Day promotes environmentalism as a form of idolatry or nature worship. It elevates the earth and environmental causes above God as the rightful object of worship and devotion (Exodus 20:3).
- Earth Day advocates hold an unbiblical view of man’s place in creation. The Bible teaches that God appointed human beings as stewards over creation to cultivate and care for it (Genesis 1:28). But some Earth Day messages promote egalitarianism – that humans are no more important than animals, plants or inanimate objects.
- Earth Day promotes solutions like population control, restrictions on development, or wealth redistribution that go against biblical values of human dignity and freedom.
- Earth Day teaches that ecological catastrophe is imminent unless radical changes are made. This stirring up of fear contradicts Jesus’ teaching not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34).
Based on these concerns, some Christians argue it is inappropriate to observe Earth Day or adopt its official slogans and positions. They believe Christians should find more biblically grounded ways to express care for God’s creation.
Viewpoint 2: Earth Day provides opportunities to be good stewards
Other Christians are supportive of observing Earth Day because they see it as an opportunity to fulfill God’s call to stewardship of creation. Here are some of their arguments:
- The Bible clearly teaches that the earth and its creatures belong to God, not man (Psalm 24:1). Humans have a responsibility to be good stewards who care for the natural world (Genesis 1:26). Earth Day is a chance to live out this call.
- Though the Earth Day movement has roots in secular environmentalism, participating in things like pollution cleanups and tree plantings are morally neutral activities good for the planet God created.
- God cares deeply for all he has made. The Lord is a loving Creator who provides for the birds, flowers and animals (Matthew 6:26-30). Earth Day is a time to appreciate the beauty of his handiwork.
- Loving our neighbors means caring about issues impacting their communities (Matthew 22:39). Environmental protection benefits human health and living conditions.
- The Apostle Paul affirmed truth found in secular sources (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12). Christians can affirm the truth in Earth Day’s call to be responsible stewards, while rejecting any unbiblical philosophies.
From this perspective, Christians have freedom to participate in Earth Day, while filtering its messages through a biblical lens.
Viewpoint 3: Earth Day can be a platform for Christian witness
A third perspective some Christians advocate is that Earth Day can provide a platform for sharing the gospel and Christian view of stewardship. Ways this can be done include:
- Handing out free trees or food along with Scripture verses about God’s care for creation.
- Starting conversations about how Christian faith motivates care for the planet.
- Expressing support for environmental reforms that align with biblical values of protecting life, showing compassion, and pursuing justice.
- Advocating for creation care policies at institutional levels by supporting legislation, writing campaigns, and lobbying efforts.
- Organizing cleanups or other Earth Day events through churches or Christian charities.
From this perspective, Earth Day is seen as a rare occasion when people across society are focused on environmental stewardship – an ideal time for Christian witness on this important subject.
Considerations for a Christian view of Earth Day
As we have seen, perspectives on Earth Day range from avoidance to acceptance to active participation. In forming their own views, Christians should consider the following:
- Pray for wisdom and discernment regarding Earth Day opportunities (James 1:5). God cares about environmental stewardship, but also preserving biblical truth.
- Study relevant biblical principles about creation, human dignity, idolatry, truth, compassion and evangelism that apply to this issue (2 Timothy 3:16).
- Examine your motivations – is it to follow Christ, appease others’ expectations, or another reason? (1 Corinthians 10:31)
- Consider whether your approach builds up the church and advances the gospel (1 Corinthians 14:26).
- Aim for loving witness in any interactions with those who may hold different views on environmental activism or Earth Day itself (1 Peter 3:15).
Earth Day brings complexities, but Christians have millennia of church teaching and biblical truth to draw from when deciding how to respond. Seeking the Spirit’s wisdom and guidance while applying biblical principles are essential to navigate challenging issues of environmentalism. As on any other day of the year, Christians can live out God’s redemptive purposes on Earth Day by upholding biblical truth while loving people and caring for this shared planet.
Reasons Christians could participate in aspects of Earth Day
While there are valid reasons some Christians may avoid formal Earth Day observances, there are benefits to participating in certain Earth Day activities:
- Caring for God’s creation – The Bible calls Christians to be wise stewards caring for the natural world God owns (Psalm 24:1, Genesis 1:26). Simple actions like planting trees and cleaning up trash show love for the Creator.
- Gratitude and worship – Time in nature reminds Christians of God’s majesty. Giving thanks to God for the gift of creation is a form of honor and worship. (Psalm 95:4-5)
- Serving the community – Local cleanup and beautification projects are a way to humbly serve neighbors – fulfilling the law of Christ to bear others’ burdens (Galatians 6:2).
- Prophetic witness – Responsible stewardship and ethical policies help build a just society. This prophetic role can point to God’s righteousness and coming Kingdom. (Jeremiah 22:3)
- Common ground – Participating alongside non-believers in morally neutral activities builds relationships. This creates pathways for sharing the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:22)
When viewed through a biblical lens, aspects of Earth Day like creation care and community service can be compatible with Christian ethics and mission. By participating with discernment, wisdom and balance, Christians can thoughtfully observe parts of Earth Day to the glory of God.
Reasons Christians may avoid formal Earth Day events
Despite potential benefits, here are reasons why Christians may wish to exercise discernment about formal Earth Day events and activism:
- Pagan origins – Early Earth Day celebrations incorporated worship of the earth, sun and nature gods. Its neo-pagan associations remain problematic for Christians. (Deuteronomy 12:30-31)
- Environmental extremism – Elements of the environmentalist movement promote positions contrary to a biblical worldview like radical population control or anti-human ideologies.
- Politicization – Large-scale Earth Day events often promote specific political agendas or partisan legislation Christians may object to on biblical grounds.
- Radicalism – The unofficial activities of fringe environmental groups associated with Earth Day, like violent protest or property damage, conflict with Christian ethics. (Romans 13:1-5)
- Overemphasis – An overfocus on temporal environmental issues may distract from the eternal purposes of the gospel and Christ’s new creation. (2 Peter 3:13)
These factors explain why some Christians limit involvement in organized Earth Day events, or choose to celebrate biblical ideals of creation care in other ways, such as: church creation care ministries, planting gardens with children, or promoting eco-friendly habits that honor God.
Suggestions for Christians on Earth Day participation
Given the complex factors, here are some suggestions for Christians regarding Earth Day:
- Engage in private activities like enjoying nature, conservation at home, or teaching kids about caring for creation based on biblical values.
- Consider conducting community service projects on other days besides official Earth Day to avoid compromising ties.
- Focus less on official Earth Day and more on integrating creation care practices into everyday Christian living.
- Promote eco-justice and creation care ministry within the church on an ongoing basis.
- Apply discernment if participating in organized Earth Day events – be wary of elements that conflict with biblical values.
- Seek to redirect conversations from Earth Day talking points to Christian perspectives on stewardship, human dignity, and gospel hope.
Rather than outright rejecting or embracing Earth Day, Christians can chart a wise course that upholds Scripture’s standards. This involves celebrating God’s creation every day, while redeeming elements of Earth Day for gospel witness and prophetic engagement with contemporary environmental issues.
Biblical principles relevant to Earth Day for Christians
Below are key biblical principles relevant to Christians considering participation in Earth Day celebrations:
Humanity’s God-given mandate
- Mankind shares in God’s rule over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28)
- People are called to cultivate and care for creation as stewards (Genesis 2:15)
- Loving neighbors involves care for the shared environment impacting their wellbeing (Leviticus 19:18)
God’s purposes
- All creation belongs to God, not man (Psalm 24:1)
- God cares lovingly for all he has made (Matthew 6:26-30)
- Believers are citizens of heaven, not earth (Philippians 3:20)
- Christ came to redeem mankind, not the earth (Luke 19:10)
Christian ethics
- Idolatry of nature is sinful (Romans 1:25)
- Christian liberty allows freedom to participate, with some limits (1 Corinthians 6:12)
- Civic involvement should uphold justice and righteousness (Jeremiah 22:3)
- Avoid entanglement with movements opposed to sound doctrine (2 Corinthians 6:14)
With wisdom, prayer and reflection on Scriptural principles like these, Christians can thoughtfully engage issues raised by Earth Day in ways that honor God.
Helpful questions for Christians to consider about Earth Day
Below are some helpful questions for Christians to reflect on when deciding if and how to observe Earth Day:
- Does this activity reflect my biblical call to stewardship and dominion over creation? (Genesis 1:26)
- Could my involvement give the impression I agree with unbiblical views about human life or radical environmental agendas?
- Does this align with my Christian values and liberty of conscience? (1 Corinthians 10:23-29)
- Could participating provide opportunities to build relationships and share my biblical convictions on the environment in conversations?
- Does this distract from or diminish the primary Christian calling to preach the gospel? (1 Corinthians 9:16)
- Are there alternative ways besides official Earth Day events that can uphold biblical ideals of creation care?
- Will my choices lead others closer to knowing Christ, or confuse Christian witness in my community? (Matthew 5:16)
- Am I studying Scriptural wisdom that applies to environmental stewardship and current ecological issues? (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Am I praying for discernment and God’s glory to be displayed in how Christians engage environmental activism? (James 1:5)
Asking thoughtful questions like these can help Christians make biblically guided decisions about if or how to observe Earth Day in their context.
Advice for churches on Earth Day participation
For pastors and churches considering Earth Day involvement, below are some recommended approaches:
- Equip members with biblical teaching on creation, stewardship and environmental ethics throughout the year.
- Foster creation care ministries that regularly serve the community through conservation, gardening, park cleanups, recycling, etc.
- Encourage everyday sustainable habits in families based on principles of Christian stewardship.
- Consider an alternative church-hosted “Creation Care Day” apart from Earth Day to avoid compromising ties.
- Partner with other churches or charities when conducting community service events to maintain Christian witness.
- At any Earth Day events, visibly identify as a church through signage, nametags, and verbal witness.
- Develop relationships at community Earth Day activities while redirecting conversations to the hope found in Christ.
- Equip members with Scripture verses and literature to biblically discuss environmental views when opportunities arise.
- Focus on redemptive aspects of environmental care while avoiding political activism or endorsement of specific public policies.
By grounding environmental stewardship in Scripture and prayerfully using discernment, churches can navigate Earth Day in ways that responsibly care for creation while maintaining a primary focus on the gospel.
Conclusion
Earth Day raises complex questions for Christians seeking to apply biblical principles to contemporary environmental issues. Christian perspectives range from abstaining from Earth Day due to its contradictory worldviews, to participating selectively based on biblical stewardship values, to utilizing Earth Day occasions for gospel witness. Wise and discerning participation requires understanding relevant biblical teaching, asking thoughtful questions, following the Spirit’s guidance, and grounding environmental concern in God’s eternal purposes. Most importantly, Christians can demonstrate God’s love for both people and the planet through compassionate stewardship and active care for creation all year long.