Week 4 - Class Lecture Review - Creation Care - Dr. Ben Richards

 Dr. Ben Richards’ lecture on Creation Care offered a profound exploration of the Christian responsibility toward the environment, emphasizing that humanity’s role is one of stewardship, not ownership. Referencing Psalm 24:1, he underscored that Earth belongs to God, positioning us as caretakers rather than controllers. This perspective calls for a relationship with creation rooted in care and respect rather than exploitation. Drawing from Genesis, Richards explained that being made in God’s image involves a responsibility to “have dominion” over creation—not through dominance but as compassionate stewardship, entrusted to us as something precious on loan.

A central theme of the lecture was Richards’ concept of a “royal priesthood” in creation, where Christians are called to act as priestly caretakers, elevating environmental care to a sacred duty. Protecting the environment thus becomes an act of worship, not just a secular responsibility, with every aspect of creation participating in glorifying God by existing as it was intended.

Richards connected humanity’s spiritual condition with environmental degradation, citing scriptures like 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Hosea 4:1-3 to suggest that environmental crises often reflect spiritual misalignment. This view—that human sin manifests in ecological harm—calls for a renewed relationship with creation that includes repentance and renewal.

Richards also highlighted the historical perspective of Celtic saints who maintained an intimate bond with nature. Figures like St. Cuthbert regarded nature as a partner in their spiritual journey, contrasting sharply with modern Evangelical practices that often lack this relational depth. Richards urged Christians to revive this sense of intimacy, advocating for an approach to creation marked by respect and affection.

Reflecting on the lecture, I find myself re-evaluating the role of creation care in my own faith. Richards framed environmental responsibility as integral to the Christian calling, linking spiritual health with ecological wellbeing. His concept of humanity as “royal priests,” entrusted with Earth’s care, challenges us to consider how daily actions reflect our faith and contribute to the world’s wellbeing.

Richards presented a unique integration of theology and science, attempting to demonstrate how faith-based stewardship aligns with modern ecological principles. Creation care, he explained, is not just a spiritual pursuit but one informed by environmental science, which reveals the consequences of our actions. He linked scriptures like Hosea 4:1-3 to ecological evidence, highlighting that faith and science together affirm the need for responsible stewardship.

Discussing natural feedback systems, Richards drew a parallel between ecological resilience and the Biblical warning in Leviticus 18:24-28 about “the land vomiting out sinful people.” Scientific examples, like deforestation leading to climate change, echo these scriptural cautions, offering a holistic view that combines spiritual principles with scientific insights.

Richards also discussed biodiversity, emphasizing that God’s design involves a delicate balance among species. This interdependence, central to ecological science, is a spiritual responsibility as well, calling on us to preserve the balance within creation. He framed biodiversity conservation as both a scientific necessity and a spiritual mandate.

On climate change, Richards suggested that the scientific urgency surrounding global warming aligns with a Biblical call to repentance and restoration. He expressed that, just as science advocates for emission reduction and ecosystem restoration, faith calls us to act on behalf of creation, urging proactive and responsible steps.

The lecture also addressed energy issues, with Richards discussing the environmental costs of fossil fuels and the economic implications of alternative energy sources. Fossil fuels, though still dominant, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm, affecting public health and accelerating global warming. Nuclear power, while low in emissions, presents sustainability challenges due to high costs. Richards suggested that advancing renewable sources like wind and solar offers a more ethical and environmentally viable path forward.

He highlighted examples from the UK and China as global leaders in clean energy transitions. The UK’s move to phase out coal and invest in wind and solar energy, along with China’s major developments in solar and wind capacity, serve as encouraging benchmarks. Richards suggested these efforts demonstrate how economic and environmental challenges can be balanced to support global sustainable practices.

Richards conveyed a sense of urgency regarding climate change. He indicated that while Earth may survive, the impact on human life could be devastating if current practices continue unchecked. Stressing that time is limited, he echoed major climate experts who consistently warn of severe consequences without immediate action. His call for climate activism underscored his passion for seeing the critical need for immediate steps to mitigate environmental issues, pointing out that while the planet itself may endure, human wellbeing faces significant risks.

In conclusion, Dr. Ben Richards’ lecture demonstrated a way of bridging theology with scientific understanding, advocating for a faith-based environmentalism rooted in both spiritual principles and ecological science. His message challenged us to honor and protect creation, informed by both divine purpose and scientific insight. He emphasized that the future of humanity hinges on the choices we make today, urging a faithful stewardship that respects both God’s design and the realities of the natural world.