How to Heal the Earth
Last updated
Last updated
The Bible emphasizes the importance of caring for the Earth.
In Genesis 2:15, we read, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
This passage illustrates humanity's role as stewards of creation, entrusted with the responsibility to cultivate and protect the environment.
In an era marked by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, healing the Earth is not only necessary but urgent. Our planet's air, water, and soil—the essential elements of life—are under threat. To protect these sacred vessels, we must prioritize their conservation and implement transformative changes in our societal structures. This essay explores the fundamental steps required to heal the Earth, integrating scriptural teachings and the message of Jesus about stewardship and respect for creation.
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1
Protecting the air, water, and soil are requried by the the first law of Torah. These elements are the basis of life and the cornerstones of our ecosystems, and their degradation has far-reaching consequences. To initiate healing, we must adopt a holistic approach to environmental protection that prioritizes the preservation of these resources.
Governments must establish stringent regulations to control emissions, manage waste, and protect natural habitats. Implementing stricter air quality standards can reduce pollution and improve public health, reflecting the biblical call to care for one another. Similarly, protecting water bodies from industrial runoff and agricultural chemicals is crucial for maintaining clean drinking water, aligning with Isaiah 41:18, where God promises to “open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the midst of the valleys.” This assurance underscores the importance of safeguarding our water sources.
The current economic system often incentivizes practices that harm the environment. Corporations may prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability, leading to exploitation of natural resources. To counter this trend, we must reorient the incentives provided by governments and corporations toward environmental protection.
Jesus taught us about the value of treasure in Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
If we invest in sustainable practices and environmentally friendly technologies, we demonstrate a commitment to protecting God's creation. This can be achieved through various means, such as offering subsidies for renewable energy projects and penalties for pollution. By aligning economic incentives with environmental stewardship, we create a system where caring for the Earth becomes a moral and spiritual duty.
The teachings of Jesus emphasize accountability.
In Luke 16:10, He said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
This principle can be applied to our treatment of the environment; if we are entrusted with the care of creation, we must demonstrate our faithfulness through responsible stewardship. Companies that violate environmental regulations should face criminal charges, reinforcing the biblical call for justice.
To truly safeguard our planet, we must establish a legal framework that criminalizes acts of environmental harm. The consequences of such crimes should be severe, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and the forfeiture of financial assets. This approach emphasizes the seriousness of environmental offenses and reinforces the message that crimes against nature will not be tolerated.
The Bible encourages respect for creation, as seen in Psalm 104:24-25:
“How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
By granting rights to nature, we acknowledge the wisdom and intentionality of God’s creation, empowering ecosystems to defend themselves against harm. Communities could advocate for legal actions on behalf of rivers, forests, or wildlife, ensuring their protection from exploitation and degradation. This approach has already seen success in various regions, where legal personhood has been granted to natural entities, leading to stronger environmental protections.
Granting rights to nature is an innovative and transformative approach to environmental protection. This legal framework recognizes that ecosystems possess intrinsic value and should have rights similar to those of humans. Such a shift in perspective can fundamentally change our relationship with the natural world. At the Heal Earth Institute, we are proposing a global treaty enshring the rights of nature across the natural world.
Healing the Earth requires a collective effort to protect the air, water, and soil that sustain life. By prioritizing environmental protection, realigning incentives, criminalizing environmental harm, and granting rights to nature, we can create a sustainable future rooted in faith. The teachings of Jesus and the principles found in Scripture guide us in our responsibility as stewards of creation. It is time for individuals, governments, and corporations to unite in a shared commitment to heal our Earth and foster a harmonious relationship with nature. The journey toward restoration begins with each of us, and together, we can make a difference, honoring the Creator through our actions for the environment.