Don’t use the Bible to justify own greed

Tuesday's letter titled “Bible's advice on using land has damaged Earth” is true in one respect: Many people in this country have used the Bible to justify a very selfish and shortsighted use of the earth. Citing Genesis 1:28, the author rightly points to the passage often understood as giving “dominion” to humanity over the creatures of the earth. But does this passage imply that humanity is justified in shortsighted and selfish misuse of the planet?

Clearly the Bible is correct in stating that we do have dominion. We exercise tremendous control and influence over the world and its inhabitants - as we see more clearly with every generation. The question then becomes: What will we do with this control? Dominion does not mean desecration.

Another passage in Genesis tells us that God put Adam in the Garden of Eden “to tend and keep it” (2:15). Keeping the world for God in all its beauty and diversity is the very definition of stewardship and I believe a model for all who look to the Bible for guidance. This may be why Jesus told so many parables about stewards - folks who take care of what does not ultimately belong to them.

While our history has been marred by “proof-texters” who have misused the Bible to justify their own greed, a larger look at the Holy Scriptures points us in a decidedly different direction. Take a look at Genesis 1:22, 9:8-9, Psalm 19:1, Job 12:7-10, Isaiah 24:4-6, Ezekiel 34: 17-18, and Romans 8:19-21

Paul Wilcox

Pastor

Lovely Lane United Methodist Church

Cedar Rapids