Faith Principles
As people of faith, the principles of stewardship, justice, community of life, and awe inform our call to care for creation.
Responsible use of God's Creation
The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it. - Psalm 24:1
Every major religion has an ethic of creation care. Caring for our natural environment shows respect and love for the creator as well as respect and love for our fellow creatures, both human and otherwise. The Earth and the natural resources that power our lives are gifts from God. Are we using them wisely?
In Georgia, approximately 63% of our electricity is generated by coal-burning power plants. Unfortunately, both the mining and burning of coal has devastating impacts on creation. (Find out your connection to coal from mountaintop removal mining.) When coal is burned, it releases pollutants with harmful effects ranging from health concerns such as respiratory problems and neurological damage to environmental issues such as acid rain, smog, and climate change.
The way we power our world harms the earth as well as ourselves. We can be better stewards of our resources by producing electricity sustainably and investing in energy efficiency so we use less electricity. We have great potential for renewable sources of energy in Georgia, such as wind, solar, hydro-electricity, and energy generated from agricultural sources or landfill gas.
Working to ensure fair usage and distribution of natural resources
Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture, but you must tread down with your feet
the rest of your pasture? When you drink of clear water, must you foul the rest with your feet? - Ezekiel 34:17
Creation care is also a matter of love and justice. We are called to love our neighbors, and to seek justice for our brothers and sisters. Climate change will continue to affect the earth for generations, and often, the communities least able to adapt will be the most affected. If we follow the commandments to seek justice for the entire earth and love our neighbors, we won't dirty our neighbor's air, water, and overuse our resources. We can help make the world healthier and safer for ourselves, others, and generations yet to come.
Understanding our role in the interdependent ecosystem
By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return. - Genesis 3:17
Every major religion has an ethic of creation care that reflects on humanity's responsibilities as a part of a larger ecosystem. Christians and Jews reflect on God’s creation of the world and recall humanity’s responsibility to care for all of creation. Muslims understand humanity’s role as stewards as an act of submission to Allah. Buddhists recognize the interrelatedness of all forms of life. Hindus revere nature as expressions of divinity. Despite the differences in faith and language, each of these religions shares a common concern for the health and welfare of the entirety of creation.
Our calling as people of faith is to protect and sustain the creation that, in turn, supports and nurtures humankind. When we become more responsible stewards of our resources, we help our fellow human beings as well as the rest of creation.
Recognizing the fingerprints of the divine in the created works
God saw everything that God had made, and indeed, it was very good. - Genesis 1:31
The beautifully interdependent world we live in is a gift from God, and all of creation joins together to praise God: "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created." - Psalm 149
The world reflects the Creator's love for all of us. Next time you're outside, take a moment to reflect on the gift of this earth, and allow yourself to marvel at the beauty of the created world that we are blessed to call home.
Considering these faith principles, we therefore affirm our calling as people of faith to:
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