Today’s Learning Intentions Identify why Christians care for the environment and what stewardship is.

Why learn about the environment in RE?

Why should Christians care for the environment? Christians believe that God created the earth and humans beings. (Genesis 1 & 2) They believe God gave Adam and Eve the responsibility to care for the environment. ‘I am putting you in charge of…....’ Genesis 1:26-38 Psalm 8:6 ‘You appointed them rulers over everything you made; you placed them over all creation.’ Christians argue that people do not own the earth. It still belongs to God: it is ‘on loan’. Psalm 24:1 ‘The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord; the earth and all who live on it are his.’ Christians today often look to the Bible in praise of creation at Harvest time. In some denominations a harvest thanksgiving service is held every autumn to thank God for the wonder of his creation.

Why? Because the earth is a gift from God Because God put us in charge Must consider the welfare of future Generations Because the gift has already been damaged by pollution Those who follow God should also be friends of his creation

What is Stewardship? Stewardship – looking after something that is not your own. You care for it for the owner and you expect to give it back. Biblical teaching on Stewardship: Luke 12:27-28 Leviticus 25:1-7 Deuteronomy 20:19 Christians believe that the sin of selfishness has caused neglect and abuse of the environment. The idea of accepting responsibility for the Earth and caring for it is known as stewardship. This involves caring for the Earth in the present day, and considering issues for future generations.

Churches Teaching on Environment Roman Catholic Earth is gift from God Balance between consumption and conservation Our actions have consequences. Plan and protect for future generations The beauties of nature are to be enjoyed and celebrated. Methodist Church Care for environment integral to understanding faith. Care for environment not optional. There’s no excuse for ignorance. ‘Is your way of life harming others and contributing to the problem?

Churches Teaching on Environment Church of Ireland Human activity has destroyed environment Greed and over-consumption must be transformed into generosity and compassion. Both individuals and decision-making bodies of the Church need to be actively involved in addressing these problems. Presbyterian Church God’s creation and million of God’s children pay a high price for our so called ‘standard of living’ Those who are friends of God should also be friends of his creation. Baptist Church - We are stewards of creation, responsible for all that God has made, and so a concern for the environment is a fundamental gospel commitments.

How can Christians be stewards?

Consider the welfare of future generations. By not exploiting or dominating. Enjoying the beauties of the earth. Create a balanced policy between consumption and conservation. By thinking about their lives and beliefs – is this contributing to the problem? Love your neighbour and show no ignorance. Consider the welfare of future generations. Bring prayers and actions concerning rights, environmental judgment and development to the forefront of worship

Demonstrate simplicity of lifestyle in our patterns of consumption. By actively supporting initiatives that are concerned with the planetary crisis. By taking into account global and local environmental considerations for present and future generations. By living in a more sustainable lifestyle. By being actively involved in initiatives for sustaining the environment. To encourage all members of congregations to make communities and environments better places.

PAIRED 1 minute summary

Homework Research Task Look up an organisation (Christian/Non Christian) and discover the ways they promote stewardship/care for others/care for the environment. Research and record some of these details: Name of organisation Main Aims/Values What does it do to help the environment/promote stewardship Which countries it helps/works with Examples of how we can help