Earth Day 2017 is April 22, and it's a reminder that evangelical Christians have an uneven and sometimes-contentious attitude towards conservation and the environment.

So here's a flashback to resources we gathered for a Biola "Awareness Week" from 2014, called "Creation Stewardship Week."

Video Resources

Chapel [2014]: Pastor (and Biola alum) Robert Campbell of Santa Margarita Community Church explains the fundamental unity between people and place.

Chapel [2014]: Stephen Fitch, President and Founder of Eden Reforestation Projects, shares how his organization is contributing to restoring ecosystems and societies in various places around the globe. He explains how Scripture demonstrates a crucial connection between people and place.

Chapel [2010]: Matthew Sleeth talks about Christians and the environment.

Chapel [2010]: Emma Sleeth talks about environmental stewardship, and what college students can do.

The Future of Paradise: Visionary in Residence [2010] John Chan explores the Biblical narrative of Eden and the New Jerusalem.

Chapel [2014]: Dr. Todd Pickett leads students in a time of reflection on the preceding week's theme of "creation stewardship." He is joined by students who share the stories and goals of the ministries they are a part of.

More Videos

Environmental Ethics: A series of short talks by Talbot prof Garry DeWeese.

Energy & the Environment: Conversations with Biola prof Craig Hazen and guests John Bloom, Garry DeWeese, and more.

Involvement on Campus

Creation Stewardship Committee

This university-sanctioned committee has been meeting for three years. Members are students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty (Biology, ICS, English, Bible), and staff (Facilities and Maintenance). In line with our charter we “make recommendations and assist the administrative and academic departments in reducing and mitigating harmful environmental effects of its operations... an important goal not only because of its inherent value but also because it can help to reduce costs, promote environmental sensitivity across and beyond campus, and demonstrate the university’s commitment and care for that part of God’s creation He has entrusted to us”. We have many projects at various stages – come join us. Contact the Committee Chair, Dr. Mark McReynolds via email.

Environmental Science Major

The mission of the environmental science major is to nurture passionate leaders within the evangelical community that will impact the world for Christ, working to restore all of God's creation, by combining scientific and theological knowledge with practical field, lab and teaching skills to create just and sustainable solutions for environmental problems. Within the Biology Department this major is grounded in biology and focused on ecosystems and their flora and fauna. We add more than a dash of chemistry and physics. We mix the above with scripture, natural resource management and environmental policy and ethics, stirring with local field trips. Contact the Program Director, Dr. Mark McReynolds via email.

Involvement Off Campus

A Rocha

“Working in nineteen countries, A Rocha [the Rock in Portugese], is an international Christian organization which, inspired by God’s love, engages in scientific research, environmental education and community-based conservation projects. Here in the United States, A Rocha is building a network of hands-on conservation projects in communities across the nation. Each varies according to local needs and desires—from growing food for the poor to protecting watersheds to restoring habitats. Yet, each integrates and balances the needs of people with those of the rest of creation. Each combines hands-on conservation work with education”.

Blessed Earth

Blessed Earth is an educational nonprofit that inspires and equips people of faith to become better stewards of the earth. Their largest program is the Seminary Stewardship Alliance which brings together seminary leaders who covenant to teach, preach, model, and hold each other accountable for good stewardship practices. They are also involved with churches on a local and denominational scale. Based out of Kentucky.

Care of Creation

“Care of Creation’s mission is to pursue a God-centered response to environmental challenges that brings glory to the Creator, advances the cause of Christ, and leads to a transformation of the people and the land that sustains them”. They work in Kenya, Tanzania and the USA.

Evangelical Environmental Network

“EEN seeks to equip, inspire, disciple, and mobilize God's people in their effort to care for God's creation. EEN is grounded in the Bible's teaching on the responsibility of God's people to "tend the garden" through a faithful walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. Based in the scriptures, EEN publishes and develops material for churches, ministries, families, and individuals to use as they seek to know the Lord more fully, especially his care for all that he has made”. EEN has also been involved in advocacy work related to air and water pollution and its impact on human life, especially children.

Plant With Purpose

“Founded in 1984, Plant With Purpose is a Christian development organization that transforms lives in rural areas around the world where poverty and environmental degradation intersect. They equip impoverished farming families to change their circumstances, provide for their children, and live with God-given hope and dignity. They do this through sustainable agriculture training, land restoration, savings-led microfinance, church mobilization, and local leadership development”. Headquarters is in San Diego, CA.

The Eden Projects

The Eden projects hires local people to plant trees thereby restoring income and ecosystem at the same time. They are at work in Haiti, Madagascar and Ethiopia. Based out of Pasadena, CA.

Text Resources/Bibliography

This bibliography, compiled by Dr. Mark McReynolds, is fairly representative of main-stream evangelical writing on the intersection between faith and the environment. If one goes outside the evangelical world publications are even more abundant. Bolded books come highly recommended by Dr. McReynolds.

General Theology

Bahnson, F., and N. Wirzba 2012. Making Peace with the Land. InterVarsity Books, Downers Grove, Illinois.

Berry, R. J. 2000. The Care of Creation: Focusing Concern and Action. Inter-Varsity Press, Leicester, England.

Berry, R. J., A. M. Clifford, P. Harris, and M. S. Northcott 2002. God's Stewards: The Role of Christians in Creation Care. World Vision International, Monrovia.

Campolo, T. 1992. How to Rescue the Earth Without Worshipping Nature: A Christians' Call to Save Creation, Nashville, Tennessee.

Granberg-Michaelson 1984. A Worldly Spirituality: The Call to Take Care of the Earth. Harper & Row Publishing, San Francisco, CA.

Hall, D. J. 1994. The Steward: A Biblical Symbol Come of Age. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI.

Paauw, G. 1999. Heaven and Earth: 30 Readings from the Bible's Teaching about Creation. International Bible Society Publishing.

Provan, I. 2008. Tenants in God's Land: Earth-keeping and People-keeping in the Old Testament. Grove Books Limited, Cambridge.

Robinson, T., and J. Chatraw 2006. Saving God's Green Earth: Rediscovering the Church's Responsibility to Environmental Stewardship. Ampelon Publishing, Norcross, GA.

Sabin, C. S. 2010. Tending To Eden: Environmental Stewardship for God's People. Judson Press, Valley Forge, PA.

Sleeth, J. M. 2007. Serve God Save The Planet: A Christian Call To Action. Zondervan Grand Rapids, MI.

Sleeth, M., Matthew 2012. 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life. Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, IL.

Simiyu, S., and P. Harris 2008. Caring for Creation: Part of our Gospel Calling? Grove Books Limited, Cambridge.

Sorley, C. 2009a. Christ and Creation: Our Biblical Calling to Environmental Stewardship. Care of Creation.

Tillett, S., editor. 2005. Caring for Creation: Biblical and Theological Perspectives. The Bible Reading Fellowship, Oxford, England.

Wilkinson, L., editor. 1980. Earthkeeping in the '90s: Stewardship of Creation. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI.

Practical Theology: Living as Stewards

Campolo, T., and G. Aeschliman 1992. 50 Ways You Can Help Save the Planet. InterVarsity Press, Downer's Grove, IL.

Clawson, J. 2009. Everyday Justice: The Global Impact of Our Daily Choices. IVP Books, Downer's Grove, IL.

Donahoe, S. L. 1990. Earth Keeping: Making It A Family Habit. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI.

Longacre, D. J. 2010. Living More with Less: 30th Anniversary Edition. Herald Press, Scottdale, PA.

McDuff, M. 2010. Natural Saints: How People of Faith Are Working to Save God's Earth. Oxford University Press, Inc., New York.

Schut, M., editor. 1999. Simpler Living Compassionate Life: A Christian Perspective. Living The Good News, Denver, CO.

Sleeth, N. 2009. Go Green, $ave Green. Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, IL.

Biblical Studies

DeWitt, C. B., editor. 1991. The Environment & The Christian: What Can We Learn From the New Testament? Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI.

DeWitt, C. B. 1994. Earth-Wise: A Biblical Response to Environmental Issues. CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI.

Horrell, D. G., C. Hunt, and C. Southgate 2010. Greening Paul: Rereading the Apostle in a Time of Ecological Crisis. Baylor University Press, Waco, Texas.

Maudlin, M. G., and M. Baer, editors. 2008. The Green Bible: New Revised Standard Version. HarperCollins Publishers, New York.

Ethics

Bouma-Prediger, S. 2010. For the Beauty of the Earth: A Christian Vision for Creation Care. Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI.

Jenkins, W. 2008. Ecologies of Grace: Environmental Ethics and Christian Theology. Oxford University Press, Oxford, England.

Hodson, M. R. 2011. Uncovering Isaiah's Environmental Ethics. Grove Books Limited, Cambridge.

Van Dyke, F. 2010. Between Heaven and Earth: Christian Perspectives on Environmental Protection. Praeger, Santa Barbara, CA.

Preaching & Teaching

Achtemeier, E. 1992. Nature, God & Pulpit. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI.

LeQuire, S. L., editor. 1996. The Best Preaching on Earth: Sermons on Caring for Creation. Judson Press, Valley Forge, PA.

Light, J. 2008. A Field Guide to Christian Environmental Education: A Complete Guide to Creation Care. Healthy Learning, Monterey, CA.

Smith, J. G. 1994. Planting Spiritual Seeds: 75 Nature Activities to Help Children and Youth Learn About God. Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN.

Stewart, R. G. 1990. Environmental Stewardship: Global Issues Bible Studies. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL.

Stott, J. 2001. The Birds Our Teachers. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI.

Evangelicals and the Environment

Clements, J. M., McCright, A. M., Xiao, C. 2013. Green Christians? An Empirical Examination of Environmental Concern Within the U.S. General Public. Organization & Environment XX:1-18.

Fowler, R. B. 1995. The Greening of Protestant Thought. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill

Gottlieb, R. S. 2006. A Greener Faith: Religious Environmentalism and Our Planet's Future. Oxford University Press, New York.

Harris, P. 2008. Kingfisher's Fire: A Story of Hope for God's Earth. Monarch Books, Grand Rapids, MI.

Lowe, B. 2009. Green Revolution: Coming Together to Care for Creation. IVP Books, Downers Grove, IL.

Orr, D. W. 2005. Armageddon Versus Extinction. Conservation Biology 19:290-292.

Stuart, S. N. 2005. Conservation Theology for Conservation Biologists - a Reply to David Orr. Conservation Biology 19:1689-1692.

Wilkinson, K. K. 2012. Between God and Green: How Evangelicals are Cultivating a Middle Ground on Climate Change. Oxford University Press, Oxford, England.

Non-Protestant & Other Religious Perspectives

Laffey, A. L. 1997. Appreciating God's Creation Through Scripture. Paulist Press, New York.

Mikhail, B. M. 2003. Peace With Nature: Orthodoxy and the Environment. Office of Ecumenical Affairs of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Palmer, M., and V. Finlay 2003. Faith in Conservation: New Approaches to Religions and the Environment. The World Bank, Washington D.C., USA.

Single Subject/Issues

Christian, J. God of the Empty-Handed: Poverty, Power and the Kingdom of God. World Vision International, Monrovia, CA.

Heslam, P. S. 2002. Globalization: Unravelling the New Capitalism. Grove Books, Cambridge, England.

Martin-Schramm, J. B. 2010. Climate Justice: Ethics, Energy, and Public Policy. Fortress Press, Minneapolis, MN.

Shaw, L. 2002. The Green Earth: Poems of Creation. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI.

Sorley, C. 2009b. Farming That Brings Glory to God and Hope to the Hungry: A Set of Biblical Principles to Transform the Practice of Agriculture. Care of Creation.

Spencer, N., R. White, and V. Vroblesky 2009. Christianity, Climate Change, and Sustainable Living. Hendrickson Press, Peabody, MA.

Toly, N. J., and D. I. Block, editors. 2010. Keeping God's Earth: The Global Environment in Biblical Perspective. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL.

Wilkinson, K. K. 2012. Between God and Green: How Evangelicals are Cultivating a Middle Ground on Climate Change. Oxford University Press, Oxford, England.

Williams, D. 2008. Animal Rights, Human Responsibilities? Grove Books Limited, Cambridge.