Anyone who knows me knows about my love for cats. (I can’t resist posting at least one cat pic on Facebook every day!) Truth be told I love and enjoy all animals, and nature in general, and deeply appreciate God’s creativity, love of variety, and pure joy displayed in this world He’s created.
And I’ve been puzzled, and sometimes hurt, by the lack of interest the Christian community often shows in being good stewards of God’s creation. From being told there are “more important things to do” (more important than obeying the first command God gave to humanity after “be fruitful and multiply”?) to being accused of “seeking popularity with nonbelievers” because “supporting the environment is cool” (huh??) my love for God’s creation has been discouraged for decades.
So tripping over this site (“Not One Sparrow: A Christian Voice for Animals“) today brought tears to my eyes. Here’s a quote:
“We want to help Christ’s community become better caretakers of animals, for the sake of our own response to the gospel and to show the world that the good news reaches to all creatures. We’re committed to supporting animal advocacy cause where we can, and contributing a faithful perspective to it. Our hope is to consistently encourage affirming and empathetic relationships with animals, and to speak out against neglect and abuse of all kinds.”
In a nation where literally millions of animals are abused and/or euthanized every year, and where the consumption of natural resources continues at an alarming rate, it seems to me God’s people should be at the forefront of caring compassionately for our Maker’s creation. Amen to the above, and if others are aware of similar resources, please post in the comments.
Peg, it’s always puzzled me as well, and many Christians I’ve known quote–or actually misquote–God’s intent for the resources he has provided them, including all that lives and grows there, and the very earth itself, as if it’s to be used in whatever way benefits them without consequence for their actions. His eye is on the sparrow, yes? And in all I do he also watches me.
Thanks B — and exactly! What is it that makes people think the Bible says “do whatever you want with creation, it doesn’t matter if you misuse it” when nothing could be further from the truth? The wise use of God’s creation is all through scripture and all through the writings of great Jewish and Christian teachers down through the many millenia of recorded history. His eye is on the sparrow… and on us. Amen!
Peg, thank you very much for the time you spent at Not One Sparrow, and your very kind mention of the site and our mission statement. I’m grateful for both, and your own heart for animals. Some other great blogs by friend which touch on creation and/or creature care from a Christian perspective include “The Christian and Creation” (http://godoverallcreation.wordpress.com) and “The Wonder of Creation” (http://wonderofcreation.org). We’ve tried to feature various voices and initiatives on our own blog as well (http://notonesparrow.com/blog). grace and peace, Ben
Thanks Ben, I hope to revisit your site on a regular basis! And thank you for the suggested links.
Good article here from The Wonder of Creation: “Is Caring for the Earth Pagan?” – an accusation I’ve heard from time to time. Excellent answer here. http://wonderofcreation.org/2013/02/18/is-caring-for-the-earth-pagan/
Any time, Peg, and thank you. ‘The Wonder of Creation’ is a really excellent blog written by a very thoughtful guy who guys back quite a ways with the creation care movement – Ben