Can you love God without loving His creation?
O Lord how manifold
are Thy works!
In wisdom hast Thou
made them all;
the earth is full
of Thy creatures.
Psalm 104:24
The first chapter of Genesis1:26-28 says that humans, having been made in the image of God, are to have a dominion over the non-human animals. Does this justify the idea that animals, birds and all that is non-human exist only to serve or be of use to humans, which is sadly leading to the much use and abuse of animals, birds, fishes and plants at the hands of humanity. On the other hand there are many Christians, who believe that a more accurate reading of Genesis 1:26-28 requires reading it in light of Genesis 1:29-30, which says “ Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed, it shall be food for you”. So, were we given a plant based diet by God? The story of Lord Jesus feeding fish to people clearly signifies that meat is not murder and since we must kill to eat animals, birds, fish, let that act be sacred, an act of worship. We must consume consciously by no means of any wastage. Coming back to Genesis 1:26-28, what is God trying to tell us , what could He mean by ‘dominion’, can it be compatible with the idea of ‘looking after’, ‘being responsible for’, or ‘guiding’. Being created in God’s image is not about what we do but about who He created us to be. We are also given a special and unique responsibility. Carelessly destroying nature by polluting the water and air, destroying wildlife and animal habitats,or wastefully using the resources is not keeping with God’s character or dominion mandate that God gave to mankind. It does not reflect His care for the lovely lillies or the tiny sparrow, nor does it acknowledge the joy that He takes in what He has made. Mathew 10:29, in which Lord Jesus identifies sparrows as animals which are not valued by humans, but which God still knows and remembers. Our stewardship is distorted by selfishness, greed, apathy, or even laziness. When we put Christ as the focus of our lives, we should desire to care for creation as we fulfill our mandate from the creator: to share the good news of the gospel, protect human life and care for His creation. Let not our convenience be at the cost of nature, let us not consider destruction of nature development and progress of mankind. Now, speaking of development and progress let’s ponder upon the current scenario of our own state, Goa. There are three major infrastructure projects that threaten the forests in and around the regions of Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. The two forest clearances will lead to chopping down of 59,024 trees. The sanctuary currently supports more than 70 mammal species, 235 bird species, 44 fish species, 45 reptile species and 27 amphibian species. Along with Dudhsagar, one of the tallest waterfalls of the country, hundreds of river-feeders originate in the forest and act as a lifeline for Goa’s water supply.
“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind”.
So, are we following the Bible and what Christian tradition teaches us? Does it command us to treat animals, plants and nature with kindness and respect? Does Modern day lifestyle violate core Christian values? We cannot love God without loving his creation.
Shital Da Silva