As you probably already know, today is Earth Day. According to the Earth Day Network, April 22 marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970:
On April 22, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment. Denis Hayes, the national coordinator, and his youthful staff organized massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values.
Earth Day is Good
Earth Day provides a wonderful opportunity for Christians to step back and and worship their God as the creator and sustainer of the universe.
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20 ESV)
Earth day is also a great time to consider the concept of stewardship. How can I be a better steward of all that the Lord has given me, natural resources and the earth included?
Earth Day is Bad
I fear, however, that Earth Day means something very different to many in the world around us. At its worst, Earth Day plays out in idolatry and pantheism. Today, many will engage in the worship of Mother Earth, as creation assumes a status of which only God himself is worthy. As Christians we must be very careful that we do not lift up creation as an idol. Note that, according the the above verse from Romans, God’s attributes can simply be perceived “in the things that have been made.” God is not creation and creation is not God.
Let Us Worship
Therefore, let us celebrate Earth Day (very carefully) and worship our God, the Maker of heaven and earth and the Author of our salvation. To Him be the glory!
Do you celebrate Earth Day? Have you seen examples of Earth Day as idolatry or pantheism? Please comment!
