Earth Day: April 22, 2009

By Daniel Vestal
April 2, 2009

While a pastor in west Texas, it was my privilege to preach every year at a cowboy camp meeting, an ecumenical event that was a wonderful window into the ranching culture. One year I preached a sermon against profanity, after which a cowboy remarked to a friend, “I can tell that the preacher has never worked with cattle.” He was right.

I didn’t grow up on a ranch or a farm. In fact I’ve lived my entire life as an urban dweller. But I do love this beautiful world God has created. At times I am terrified by the sheer power of nature, and at other times I am awed by its beauty and complexity. Contrary to the old Gospel song (“This world’s not my home, I’m just passing through”), this world is my home. Indeed my theological conviction is that someday God’s present and coming Kingdom will be realized on this earth as it is in Heaven.

Recently I read a stimulating book, “God and Globalization,” and in it Jurgen Moltmann had an essay entitled, “The Destruction and Healing of the Earth: Ecology and Theology,” Here is a poignant quote. “The ecumenical interest of world Christianity is the habitable condition of the earth and the peacefulness of human civilization. This planet Earth shall, in its end—and this is the final Christian hope—become the house and home for the eternal, indwelling God, the locus where God’s very Self will come to rest: “Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.” (Rev. 21:3)

However, Christians are not the only ones who care for “the habitable condition of the earth.” Sometimes I feel that Christians don’t care nearly as much as others. The vocabulary of recent years that calls for care of the earth is not a theological vocabulary: green revolution, ecology (ecosystems, eco-activism), environmental equilibrium, etc. Personally, I am grateful for those who agitate against pollution and global warming and others who advocate for clean water, clean air and the preservation of our natural resources. Such individuals inaugurated “Earth Day.”

“Earth Day” is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for our earth and its environment. Since 1970, the April 22nd date has been the annual date for widespread observance. I realize that this date is not a part of the Christian calendar or doesn’t fit into the liturgical year. It’s not even a national holiday. But I want to suggest that it’s a good way for us to join with ecologists and environmentalists, as well as millions of people who are deeply concerned about the conditions of our planet, to show affection and appreciation for our home – the earth.

As it happens, April 22 this year is on a Wednesday, which gives congregations an even greater opportunity to take advantage of a popular observance. Also this year Disney is premiering a film entitled “The Earth” on April 22. Let me offer some suggestions on how a church might use “Earth Day” as a part of its life and ministry.

1.  Use “Earth Day” as an opportunity for CELEBRATION
I have discovered in all churches an amazing array of individuals who have great affinity and affection for nature. But they don’t know each other: hunters and fishermen, bird watchers and beekeepers, gardeners and garden club members, bikers and hikers. Outdoor people of all sorts would resonate with a call to celebrate the beauty and wonder of the universe.

2.  Use “Earth Day” as an opportunity or EDUCATION
Scripture has a lot to say about God as creator and the responsibility all of us have to be good stewards of the Creation. In recent years the problems of pollution, global warming and environmental destruction have become urgent. The first thing many of us need is to see how Christian discipleship informs and forms our relationships to the earth. There are excellent resources for personal and group study that could be used around this time of the year.

3.  Use “Earth Day” as an opportunity for WITNESS
If there is any place where Christians should be “counter culture”, it’s here. We as human beings are more than “consumers” or “conquerors of the earth.” We shouldn’t be bashful about our conviction that the world around is not just “nature.” We should be bold in reclaiming our prophetic witness that science and technology don’t have the final word about the earth. Our witness should focus on biblical themes: creation, stewardship, Sabbath, covenant.

4.  Use “Earth Day” as an opportunity for RENEWAL
Since the natural order is created by God, it gives testimony to the power and beauty of God. The natural order silences us and puts us in our place. But it also can calm and soothe us as no logic or language can. Nature can be a means of grace and a vehicle of the Spirit that ushers us into consciousness of the divine presence.

"This is my Father’s world,
And to my list’ning ears,
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world,
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hands the wonders wrought."
                      Maltbie D. Babcock


Daniel Vestal is executive coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, serving since 1996.

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