A scholarly look at caring for God's creation
(Full review at SpoiledMilks, 5/18/18)
Douglas and Jonathan Moo have written a book to encourage Godââ?¬â?¢s people to care for his creation ââ?¬Å"by showing that the created world remains important in Godââ?¬â?¢s purposes throughout the story of redemptionââ?¬Â? (126).
The book has 3 sections:Ã?
(1) Queuing the Questions
The Moos write that through our involvement we (1)Ã? address current challenges facing creation, (2)Ã? serve as witnesses to Godââ?¬â?¢s kingdom before the members of the world, and (3)Ã? confirm Scriptureââ?¬â?¢s witness of our vocation as ââ?¬Å"keepersââ?¬Â? of Godââ?¬â?¢s creation (26-27).Ã?
(2) Arriving at Answers
God created the world as ââ?¬Å"very good.ââ?¬Â? We are not gods who can use the earth according to our whims. ââ?¬Å"In what ways do we prevent others from perceiving creationââ?¬â?¢s testimony to God when we fail to care well for creation, to enact justice, and to ensure that the abundance of the earth is shared with all?ââ?¬Â? (60). It is not unreasonable that he wouldnââ?¬â?¢t allow humanity to suffer for the consequences of trashing his creation. Doug Moo, from 2 Peter 3, refutes the idea that the world is going to be burned up.
(3) Reflecting on Relevance
The Moos give practical examples of how interconnected everything is, such as how coral reefs give life to a quarter of all marine life. Due to pollution, fishing techniques (like trawling), warming seas, and acidification (from the air-riding carbon dioxide, a quarter of which is absorbed into the oceans), projections say coral reefs could disappear by 2050.
Recommended?
Will we ever see a direct result of our careful, caring actions? Possibly not. But, as the authors point out, at the height of the slave trade numerous Christians refused to buy or use sugar that had been made at the cost of another human�s life. None of those acts ended the slave trade, but it may have been one of the proper ways to follow Christ at that time.� We should behold and appreciate God�s artistry and care for the earth, the animals, and for us. Something needs to be done.�
