Core Value 11: Animals and the Environment

27th November 2005
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God has given mankind dominion over that part of his creation which is not made in his image and needs to be subdued, especially since the fall and God’s subsequent curse (Genesis 1:26–28; 3:17–19).

  • Therefore we affirm the stewardship of human beings to use animals and the environment for the glory of God and the benefit of humanity within the guidelines of biblical principles of ecology. We also affirm God’s ownership of all land and mankind’s responsibility to use it for his glory, considering the needs of fellow human beings and future generations (Genesis 9:1-17; Psalm 24:1).
  • We deny that animals have rights or value equal to that of human beings, we also deny that the environment is without corruption, is self-determining, or shares in the nature of God in any way (Romans 8:20).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. What is the God-ordained relationship of human beings to animals and the environment?
  2. Explain the principles and activities of dominion and stewardship.
  3. What would you say are some “biblical principles of ecology”?
  4. How does the second part of the affirmation address current land disputes?
  5. What popular ideas does the denial deny?

THE CORE VALUES OF SOLA 5

Categories: Core Values