Empower planet, work toward its well-being

The Rev. Vicki Penner, chaplain, Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold Drive:

The most important idea found in Scripture for taking care of the Earth is “shalom” (in Hebrew) or “eirene” (in Greek). Often these words are translated as “peace” in English. Yet the word “peace” as we use it and understand it in everyday language fails to fully capture the total meaning of “shalom” or “eirene.”

In addition to the absence of conflict, “shalom” and “eirene” carry a sense of well-being, health and wholeness. These words call for a peace that includes right relationships on all levels of being – in our hearts, in our families, among nations, between classes, between races and also with the Earth. Justice is central to a world built in “shalom” and “eirene.”

In connection to the environment, not only are we simply not to “hurt” the Earth, we are to empower and work toward its well-being, balance and health. An alive and vibrant ecological system is central to the full vision of “shalom” and “eirene” for the world (Isaiah 55:12, Romans 8:19-21). When we recycle, compost or plant a xeriscape yard, we are doing holy work.

We fail to understand what is required in our relationship to the Earth because we have focused too long on one verse in Genesis that says we should dominate and subdue the Earth (Genesis 1:28). This verse leads to a domination/submission way of being.

Rather, there are many more references to God’s vision of “shalom” and “eirene.” In God’s vision, we are to see humanity and the Earth as partners, cooperating to bring about greater well-being and health than we currently can imagine.

– Send e-mail to Vicki Penner at vickipenner@sunflower.com.

Appreciation of nature, reflection of God in us

Doug Heacock, contemporary worship leader, Lawrence Free Methodist Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave.:

We all appreciate beauty in nature at some level – breathtaking mountain views, blazing red sunsets or the bright blue sky over the Kansas plains – and all of these things are the products of the creative thoughts of God.

Our appreciation of natural beauty is a reflection of the image of God in us, which should suggest to us that God also appreciates and delights in the beauty of the Earth he has made.

But the disturbing data concerning our daily production of waste and the depletion of the world’s natural resources (and Christians are responsible for this along with everyone else) demonstrates a fundamental disconnect between what we say we believe and what we actually do.

As followers of Christ, we should be learning to love what God loves and to value what he values; and thus the care of the earth God has made, the creation in which he delights, should be a priority for us. But there is more to it than that. In the 24th Psalm, King David writes, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it:” In other words, the Earth is not ours to use up in whatever way we please – it belongs to God, and he expects us to be good stewards of the resources with which he has entrusted us.

It is encouraging that in recent years Christians have begun to recognize in greater numbers their responsibility to address environmental matters. For far too long we (I include myself) have neglected these issues, and I believe it has grieved the heart of God.

– Send e-mail to Doug Heacock at heacock@kanren.net.