Recycling has become an increasingly important topic in our world today. As concerns about the environment and sustainability continue to grow, many Christians wonder what the Bible has to say about recycling. At over 9,000 words, this article will provide an in-depth look at the biblical principles and perspectives that can inform Christians’ views on recycling.
To start, the Bible does not directly mention recycling. However, it provides principles about stewardship, resource use, and care for creation that can guide Christians as they consider the issue of recycling. Genesis 1:26 says that God gave humans dominion over the earth and its creatures. This implies a responsibility to wisely manage the planet’s resources. Passages like Psalm 24:1 (“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it”) and Colossians 1:16 (“”For in him all things were created…all things have been created through him and for him”) suggest that the earth belongs to God, so humans should treat it accordingly.
In Genesis 2:15, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden “to work it and take care of it.” Even before sin entered the world, work and stewardship were part of God’s plan for humans. After sin marred creation, the ground was cursed (Genesis 3:17-19). However, humans were still called to work, which now included protecting resources in a world prone to decay and destruction. Passages about resting the land (Exodus 23:10-11) and freeing debt slaves (Deuteronomy 15:1-18) protected against overuse of resources, including human capital. Allowing fields to lie fallow and debt slaves to be freed at regular intervals ensured the long-term viability of both.
God also commanded the Israelites not to be wasteful. When gathering manna in the wilderness, they were to take only enough for each day, trusting God for their daily bread (Exodus 16:4, 16-21). Farmers were instructed not to reap their fields to the very edges, but to leave gleanings for the poor and foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10). The Sabbath year observance every 7 years allowed the land to rest and rejuvenate (Exodus 23:10-11). God provided enough, but also expected his people to only use what they needed.
The themes of moderation, conservation, and stewardship continue in the New Testament. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” Everyone was expected to contribute to meeting needs. In John 6:12, Jesus instructed his disciples to collect the leftover fragments after feeding the 5000 so that nothing would be wasted. Ephesians 5:15-16 urges making the most of our time and resources. And 1 Timothy 6:6-8 says that godliness with contentment is great gain and that we should be content with food and clothing rather than desiring riches.
Several parables deal with stewardship. In Matthew 25:14-30, servants were entrusted with money to manage while the master was away. Those who invested wisely were rewarded, but the servant who simply buried his talent was rebuked. Luke 16:1-8 praises a shrewd manager who made preparations for his future unemployment. And Luke 12:16-21 warns about a man who stored up wealth but was not “rich toward God.” These parables encourage foresight, prudence, industry, and stewardship of all we’ve been given.
While recycling itself is not mentioned, these principles of stewardship, resource conservation, contentment, and prudent management of possessions should compel Christians to strongly consider recycling. Recycling makes use of discarded materials to create new products instead of extracting always-limited virgin resources. It aligns with the biblical call to “gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing may be lost” (John 6:12 ESV).
Some specific biblical arguments in favor of recycling include:
- It exercises good stewardship of the earth’s resources, which God created and assigned humanity to manage wisely.
- It allows resources like trees and minerals to be renewed and replenished naturally over time.
- It reduces unnecessary waste and wanton destruction of potentially usable goods.
- It shows respect for other people and living things that share this planet as fellow creatures of God.
- It is prudent management of possessions – turning discarded items into valuable commodities.
- It aligns with themes of sustainability and caring for the land so it remains productive long-term.
- It is a practical way to “love your neighbor as yourself” by conserving shared resources.
Potential criticisms or cautions about recycling from a biblical perspective include:
- It could enable wastefulness or hoarding by making people feel like anything can be recycled.
- Recycling does use energy and resources too, so it must be done wisely and ethically.
- It is more important to reduce consumption and reuse items than to overfocus on recycling.
- Recycling will not succeed without repentance from greed and overconsumption at a heart level.
- It must be motivated by a desire to serve God and others rather than selfish reasons.
- Stewardship should be part of an overall lifestyle of sustainability, not just a single action.
How then should Christians apply biblical principles to answer the question “Should Christians recycle?” Here are several guidelines that emerge:
- Christians should view recycling as part of living out the call to stewardship and loving their neighbors.
- Godly stewardship, not legalistic rules, should motivate recycling efforts.
- Recycling is usually good, but should be weighed carefully against related uses of time, energy, and resources.
- Recycling should be engaged in humbly and ethically, not to enable personal excess.
- Recycling alone is insufficient – reducing consumption and reusing goods are also important.
- Follow God’s principles over any earthly philosophies or causes.
- Allow freedom for individual conscience – do not force or condemn recycling itself.
- Focus on heart-level repentance from waste and greed more than outward actions.
- Recycling can be one component of a godly lifestyle of environmental stewardship.
In summary, the Bible does not prohibit or directly encourage recycling. But its principles of stewardship and resource conservation provide a biblical basis for commending recycling as one way for Christians to be wise managers of God’s gifts and to show care for others. Recycling aligns with key biblical values such as sustainability, moderation, frugality, generosity, and righteousness. When carried out with godly motives and diligent application of other biblical environmental principles, recycling can be a tangible expression of Christian stewardship and love.
However, recycling should be kept in biblical perspective. It is not the only godly approach to resources, though it can be a helpful one. It must be practiced wisely and ethically, not becoming an idol itself. And it is no replacement for the needed heart transformation that leads God’s people to repent of waste and seek to serve Him and others in all areas of life. When recycling stems from hearts renewed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, it can be a beautiful way for Christians to process and use resources in a manner that glorifies God and advances His kingdom.