The value of the world (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
The value of the world
Introduction to Catholic beliefs about creation
Catholic Christians hold a fundamental belief that God is the creator of the entire universe. This means that everything within creation - from the smallest insect to the largest mountain - is considered sacred and holy. Because God created all things, Catholics believe that humans have been given a special role and particular responsibilities in caring for this divine creation.
The Bible teaches Catholics that humans were made differently from other creatures. God gave humans unique abilities and a special calling to protect and nurture the natural world. This relationship between humans and creation involves several important concepts that shape how Catholics should treat the environment and all living things.
The Catholic understanding of creation emphasises that humans are not separate from nature, but are called to live in harmony with it as part of God's divine plan. This relationship is both a privilege and a profound responsibility.
Key concepts in Catholic teaching
Stewardship - humans as caretakers
Stewardship is a central concept in Catholic teaching about the environment. Catholics believe that God has appointed humans to act as caretakers or guardians of the Earth. This means that humans are not the owners of creation, but rather responsible managers who must look after God's creation with care and wisdom.
This responsibility of stewardship is part of God's sacred design. Catholics understand that they must protect the Earth and its resources so that future generations can also benefit from God's gifts. The role of stewardship requires Catholics to think beyond their immediate needs and consider the long-term impact of their actions on the planet.
"In the beginning God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common stewardship of mankind to take care of them. (CCC 2402)"
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (Psalm 24:1)"
These passages emphasise that the Earth ultimately belongs to God, and humans are simply trusted with its care. This creates a sense of accountability - Catholics must answer to God for how well they protect and preserve creation.
Critical Understanding of Stewardship
Catholics must remember that stewardship is not optional - it is a sacred duty. The Earth does not belong to humans; they are merely trustees responsible for managing God's creation wisely and passing it on to future generations in good condition.
Dominion - understanding human authority
The Book of Genesis explains that God made humans superior to everything else in his creation. However, this concept of dominion can be interpreted in two different ways, and understanding both perspectives is crucial for Catholics.
The first interpretation suggests that God gave the world to humans, placing them in control of it. This view emphasises human authority and the right to use natural resources as they see fit. However, many Catholics find this interpretation incomplete without considering the second perspective.
The second interpretation emphasises that God gave the world to humans for them to use responsibly, always in line with God's will and purposes. This view stresses that human authority over creation comes with significant moral obligations.
"Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' (Genesis 1:26)"
The phrase 'rule over' in this biblical passage supports the idea of humanity having dominion or authority over the Earth. However, Catholic teaching emphasises that this authority should be exercised with wisdom, compassion, and respect for God's creation. True dominion means being a good and faithful ruler, not a careless exploiter.
"Man's dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbour, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation. (CCC 2415)"
Avoiding Misinterpretation of Dominion
A common mistake is to interpret dominion as giving humans unlimited power to exploit creation. Catholic teaching clearly states that dominion must be exercised with moral responsibility and respect for the integrity of God's creation. True dominion serves creation, not destroys it.
Responsibility - caring for God's creation
Catholic teaching combines the concepts of stewardship and dominion to emphasise human responsibility for creation. Catholics believe that the biblical teachings clearly show that God intended humans to be responsible caretakers who actively care for the natural world. This responsibility extends beyond the present moment - Catholics must consider how their actions will affect the world that future generations will inherit.
This sense of responsibility is deeply connected to Catholic values of love and service. Just as Catholics are called to care for other people, they are also called to care for the environment that sustains all life.
"Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)"
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15)"
This second quotation is particularly significant because it suggests that God created humanity specifically to take care of his creation. The Garden of Eden represents an ideal relationship between humans and the natural world - one of careful tending and respectful cultivation.
Practical Application: The Golden Rule and Creation
The Golden Rule applies not just to how we treat other people, but also to how we treat creation. Catholics might ask: "Would I want future generations to inherit a world that has been damaged by careless actions?" This perspective encourages responsible environmental choices in daily life.
Awe and wonder - appreciating God's creation
Catholics believe that God's creation of the world and universe is truly amazing and should inspire feelings of awe and wonder in all people. When Catholics contemplate the beauty and complexity of the natural world - from tiny flowers to vast galaxies - they see evidence of God's incredible power and creativity.
This sense of awe and wonder is not just about appreciation - it reinforces the God-given responsibility that Catholics have to care for and maintain creation. When people truly appreciate the magnificent gift that God has given in creation, they naturally want to protect and preserve it. Catholics view the Earth as a precious gift from God that deserves their respect and careful attention.
"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? (Psalm 8:3-4)"
This psalm expresses the wonder that humans should feel when they contemplate God's creation. It also highlights the special relationship between God and humanity - despite the vastness of creation, God still cares deeply for human beings and entrusts them with important responsibilities.
Cultivating Wonder in Daily Life
Catholics are encouraged to regularly spend time observing and appreciating the natural world around them. This practice of mindful observation helps develop the sense of awe and wonder that naturally leads to environmental care and protection.
Protecting God's world
All of these concepts - stewardship, dominion, responsibility, and awe and wonder - come together to form Catholic teaching about environmental protection. Catholics are called to be active guardians of creation, using their God-given abilities to preserve and protect the natural world for current and future generations.
This protection involves practical actions such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting sustainable practices. But it also involves a deeper spiritual commitment to seeing the world as God sees it - as something precious and sacred that deserves careful, loving attention.
Key Points to Remember:
- Catholic Christians believe everything in creation is sacred because God created the universe
- Stewardship means humans are caretakers of the Earth, responsible for protecting it for future generations
- Dominion can mean either human control over creation OR responsible use of creation in line with God's will
- Catholics have a God-given responsibility to care for creation, as shown in biblical teachings about the Garden of Eden
- Awe and wonder at God's creation should inspire Catholics to protect and maintain the natural world as a precious gift from God