The value of the world (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
The value of the world
Christian beliefs about creation
Christians hold the belief that God is the creator of the universe, which means that everything within it - including our planet Earth - ultimately belongs to God. This fundamental understanding shapes how Christians view their relationship with the natural world and their responsibilities towards it.
The Bible contains important teachings about humanity's role in looking after creation. Christians understand that they have been given a special duty to protect and care for the world as God's creation, viewing themselves as caretakers rather than owners of the Earth.
This foundational belief establishes the framework for all Christian environmental thinking - humans are not the ultimate owners of creation, but rather trustees responsible to God for its care.
Stewardship
Stewardship is a central concept in Christian thinking about the environment. Christians understand that God has entrusted humans with the responsibility of being "caretakers" for the Earth. This role forms part of God's sacred creation plan, where humans are expected to look after the world and protect it for future generations.
The idea of stewardship suggests that whilst humans have been given authority over creation, this comes with significant responsibility. Christians believe they must use this authority wisely and consider the impact of their actions on both the present world and generations yet to come.
Biblical Foundation for Stewardship
Genesis 2:15 states: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."
This passage clearly establishes humanity's role as both workers and protectors of God's creation.
Dominion
The concept of dominion refers to the authority that God has given to humans over the rest of creation. However, this is not unlimited power to do whatever humans please with the natural world. Instead, it represents a position of responsibility and care.
Key Biblical Passages on Dominion
Genesis 1:26: "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, to 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 1:28: "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
Christians interpret these passages to mean that humans have been given a special position in creation, but this position comes with the expectation that they will exercise their authority responsibly and caringly.
Awe and wonder
Many Christians believe that experiencing God's creation fills them with awe and wonder, which in turn reinforces their sense of responsibility towards the natural world. When Christians observe the complexity and beauty of creation - from the vastness of the universe to the intricate details of nature - they see evidence of God's power and creativity.
This sense of awe serves as a reminder that the world is not simply a resource to be exploited, but rather a magnificent creation that deserves respect and protection. The beauty and complexity of the natural world inspire Christians to take their role as stewards seriously.
The emotional and spiritual response to creation's beauty becomes a motivating factor for environmental responsibility, connecting personal faith experience with practical action.
Responsibility and care
Christian teaching emphasises that the ideas of stewardship and dominion work together to create a framework of responsibility. Christians accept that whilst the world is valuable and should be looked after for future generations, they have been specifically entrusted by God to care for creation.
This responsibility is reflected in the principle found in Luke 6:31: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Christians apply this golden rule not only to their relationships with other people but also to their treatment of the environment, considering how their actions might affect others, including future generations.
Extending the Golden Rule
Luke 6:31: "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Christians apply this principle to environmental care, considering the impact of their actions on future generations and the broader creation.
Biblical foundation
The Christian understanding of humanity's relationship with creation is firmly rooted in biblical teaching. Christians recognise that their environmental responsibilities are not merely practical concerns but are divinely mandated duties.
Ultimate Ownership Belongs to God
Psalm 24:1 reminds Christians that ultimate ownership belongs to God: "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."
This verse reinforces the idea that humans are caretakers rather than owners, and that they will ultimately be accountable to God for how they have treated His creation.
The phrase "rule over" in Genesis supports the concept of human dominion, but this authority comes with the expectation of responsible stewardship.
Key Points to Remember:
- Christians believe God created the universe, making everything in it God's property, not humanity's to own outright
- Stewardship means humans are caretakers of creation, responsible for protecting the Earth for future generations
- Dominion gives humans authority over creation, but this power must be exercised responsibly according to God's will
- Biblical passages like Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 2:15, and Psalm 24:1 provide the foundation for Christian environmental responsibility
- Experiencing awe and wonder at God's creation motivates Christians to take their role as environmental protectors seriously