Earth Stewardship—A Function of Religion?

Planet Earth travels through the immensity of space, shrouded in mystery as to its origin. Was it brought into existence, along with the entire universe, by a benevolent creator or the result of an unimaginable explosion of matter, flinging the stars and galaxies into an ever-expanding universe? Most religions, including those of indigenous people adhere to the first of these accounts. The three major religions, i.e., Christianity, Islam, and Hebrew, believe everything that is, was created by the God figure who left humans commissioned for the care and keeping of earth and its resources. In essence, everything was created for the benefit of humans who were to have dominion, as superior beings, over all of creation. Indigenous people recognize humans as a part of creation itself. Humans are seen as equals with a relationship to all of earth’s creatures in a gigantic web of life. Ultimately, humans are seen as an intelligent species capable of making decisions for the protection and enhancement of all living entities. Wise use of earth’s resources, both living and non-living (sun, water, air, etc.) is a matter called stewardship. The fate of humanity and earth itself may depend on how those decisions play out. Ultimately, we must ensure the on-going existence and health of earth and its natural resources to pass along to future generations. Earth stewardship and religion remain inseparable in the quest for a peaceful and just relationship among all of earth’s peoples and the earth we call home.