Context

The National Association of Evangelicals has long considered caring for creation part of the responsibilities that God gave humankind in the very beginning. We are not the owners of creation; rather, “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Christians acknowledge creation care as an act of discipleship; we are stewards of the earth, summoned by God to “work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15).

In this Evangelicals magazine issue, we wanted to dig deeper. We wanted to be challenged in our understanding of our role as stewards of the earth. We wanted to be inspired by how caring for creation can open doors for ministry. We wanted to consider how our theology informs our policies. We wanted to reflect on what our consumption practices reveal about our posture. We wanted to broaden our perspective of the environmental impact on people and ecosystems around the world.

So, we brought together voices that challenge us to greater reflection and greater action. These authors love God and love the beautiful world he has created. They remind us that God is not only redeeming his people, but is also restoring the whole creation (Romans 8:18–23). As the redeemed people of God, we are called to follow our Risen Lord and to restore creation as we prepare for our Lord’s return. Just as we show our love for the Savior by reaching the lost, we show our love for the Creator by caring for his creation. And in caring for his creation, we also reach those the lost and help vulnerable communities.

Concern for the environment has become so aligned with partisan politics that Christians have been frequently paralyzed on the topic. Theology has also impacted our action — or lack of action — on creation care. This magazine offers biblical clarity that reorients our hearts and minds toward worship of our Creator. Worshiping our Creator leads us to deeper care for all of his great works.