Why Does Ecotheology Matter for Creation Care and the Environment?
Ecotheology is a branch of theology that reflects on the relationship between God, humanity, and the created world. It provides a framework for addressing today’s ecological challenges not only from scientific or political perspectives but from the biblical conviction that creation belongs to God.
At its core, ecotheology emphasizes that creation is not disposable, accidental, or meaningless. The heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1), and the earth is the Lord’s, filled with his handiwork (Psalm 24:1). Christians, therefore, are called to treat creation with reverence and care. Ecotheology matters because it clarifies misunderstandings about dominion, provides theological resources for environmental stewardship, and anchors creation care in the hope of the Gospel and the promise of new creation.
1. Foundations of Ecotheology
Theological reflection on creation begins with Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible testifies that creation is God’s work and continues under his sustaining power.
Key biblical truths include:
Creation belongs to God – “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1).
Creation is good – Repeatedly in Genesis 1, God declares his creation “good.”
Creation praises God – The natural world declares his glory and invites worship (Psalm 19:1).
Creation longs for renewal – The whole creation groans, awaiting redemption (Romans 8:22).
These foundations remind Christians that creation is neither divine nor worthless. It is a gift to be cherished, a testimony to God’s character, and a theater for his redemptive work. Ecotheology matters because it grounds environmental care in worship, stewardship, and eschatological hope.
2. Stewardship and Human Responsibility
One of the central tasks of ecotheology is clarifying the biblical teaching on human dominion over creation. Genesis 1:28 speaks of humanity filling the earth and having dominion, but this must be interpreted as responsible stewardship rather than exploitative control. Humanity images God, and God’s rule is marked by care, justice, and love.
Christian stewardship of creation includes:
Cultivating the earth – Humanity is called to work and keep creation (Genesis 2:15).
Protecting the vulnerable – Just as God defends the weak, his people are called to care for fragile ecosystems and endangered creatures.
Practicing restraint – Greed and exploitation lead to destruction, but stewardship requires wisdom, moderation, and gratitude.
The misuse of dominion has often led to environmental degradation. Ecotheology reframes dominion as vocation—a call to serve and protect creation as God’s representatives.
3. The Role of the Spirit in Creation Care
Ecotheology highlights the Spirit’s ongoing presence in creation. The Spirit hovered over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2), renews the earth (Psalm 104:30), and is at work in the healing of creation.
This pneumatological perspective emphasizes that care for creation is not simply human effort but participation in the Spirit’s renewing work. The Spirit enables:
Renewal of the land – Seasons and cycles testify to God’s sustaining Spirit.
Healing of relationships – The Spirit reconciles not only people to God but also humanity to creation.
Hope for new creation – The Spirit is the down payment of the redemption that will extend to the entire cosmos (Romans 8:23).
Thus, ecotheology encourages Christians to see environmental care as Spirit-empowered mission, not just ecological activism.
4. Creation’s Beauty and Suffering
A balanced ecotheology celebrates creation’s beauty while also acknowledging its suffering under human sin. The Psalms delight in creation’s majesty—the stars, seas, and mountains—but Romans 8 reminds us that creation groans under the weight of corruption.
Christians must learn to hold both together:
Admiration – Recognizing creation as God’s masterpiece and receiving it with gratitude.
Lament – Mourning pollution, extinction, and environmental harm as consequences of human rebellion.
Action – Responding with repentance and renewed commitment to care for God’s world.
This balance prevents romanticizing nature or ignoring its brokenness. Ecotheology calls believers to praise God for creation while working to alleviate its suffering until the day of renewal.
5. Gospel and Last Days Perspective
Ecotheology is ultimately about the Gospel. The good news that Jesus is Lord extends to creation itself. Paul proclaims that all things were created through Christ and for him, and that God is reconciling all things through the blood of the cross (Colossians 1:16, 20).
The last days perspective reveals that creation care is not optional but integral to God’s plan:
New creation hope – The Bible promises a renewed heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1).
Christ’s kingship – His reign extends over all creation (Revelation 11:15).
Cosmic redemption – Salvation is not only about souls but the restoration of all that sin has marred.
Therefore, caring for creation is an act of allegiance to Christ’s kingship. It anticipates the day when the earth will be freed from corruption and filled with God’s glory. Christians participate in this future by caring faithfully for creation in the present.
Conclusion
Ecotheology matters because it provides a biblical and theological foundation for creation care. It clarifies human responsibility as stewardship, not exploitation, emphasizes the Spirit’s role in sustaining creation, and connects environmental concern with the Gospel and the hope of new creation.
For Christians, caring for the environment is not simply an ethical option but an expression of faith, worship, and discipleship. It reflects God’s character, honors Christ’s kingship, and anticipates the renewal of all things. Ecotheology reminds the church that creation is not disposable but destined for redemption in Christ.
Bible Verses on Ecotheology and Creation Care
Genesis 1:28 – “Fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion…over every living thing.”
Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”
Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.”
Psalm 104:30 – “When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.”
Isaiah 24:5 – “The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants.”
Romans 8:22 – “The whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.”
Colossians 1:16 – “By him all things were created, in heaven and on earth.”
Colossians 1:20 – “Through him to reconcile to himself all things…making peace by the blood of his cross.”
Revelation 21:1 – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.”
