The ELCA's Take on Caring for Creation

For the social statement from my own denomination, I chose to read "Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice." This article states its purpose as calling us to "a faithful return to the biblical vision."

The ELCA sees creation as a gift from God and as a means for God to come to us; through earthly creation. Since humanity is made in the image of God, humanity is then called to care for creation in the way that God cares for creation. I liked, however, that the ELCA addresses the call to have dominion over the earth by stating, "God's command to have dominion and subdue the earth is not a license to dominate and exploit." This sentence shows careful attention to the Biblical witness we have.

Since humanity rebelled and disrupted creation, humanity feels nature as one of God's ways of judgment. "A disrupted nature is a jugdment on our unfaithfulness as stewards." Moreover, all humanity is united in this way and when one person makes a decision, it will inevitably affect the entire creation, the entire planet. The ELCA proclaims that God enters into our sinfulness by sending his Son to us and gifting us with forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.

The ELCA calls its churches and members to partake in the main principles of participation, solidarity, sufficiency, and sustainability. We are called to be God's caregivers and to do justice in this way. Individual members are encouraged to live out lifestyles that create health for the environment. Worshiping and learning communities are encouraged to see the congregation as a creation awareness center, have creation emphases during the church year, educate and communicate to people through worship and education opportunities, and provide programs that encourage environmental education and work.