Nature is a Fundamental Part of the Biblical Story
We are trying to tell a very specific story, to influence its ending. Humanity is 0ut 0f balance with nature; this imbalance must be corrected to continue peace and prosperity. To meet these challenges. we draw from the Bible, the deepest story ever told, in which nature plays a fundamental role. The biblical story is one of humanity creating immense abundance by answering God’s call to work the land (Gen 2:15), of environmental destruction as humans neglected God’s call to care for the land (Gen 2:15), and the hope for renewal of God’s full creation if we act appropriately (Rev 22:2). With this guidance, we seek to meet the moment.
In the Beginning
The Bible starts with a summary statement, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Then it circles back, describing the ancient world view of pre-creation as chaos, the dark of night, the abyss:
“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Genesis 1:2)
God’s Light
Genesis 1 continues on to describe God bringing order to chaos:
“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)
God’s Creative Order
Genesis 1 continues to describe God’s creative order, unfolding in stages of increasing complexity: the molecules of air and water, followed by land arising out of the chaotic sea, then plants growing, followed by animals swimming, running, and flying, and humans as the capstone of creation, created in God’s image
