What is a Christian view of environmentalism?

TL;DR:

The biblical view of caring for the environment is not the same as the political movement known as "environmentalism." Christians have a responsibility to balance cultivation with preservation of the earth.

what does the bible say?

The idea of caring for the environment is encapsulated in the word "stewardship." Genesis 1:28 is a key verse, where God tells His human creation to care for His earthly creation and to use it for their good. Men and women were given this elevated position because, unlike everything else in creation, they were made in God's image (Genesis 1:26–28, Psalm 8:6–8). God entrusted His creation to us and wants us to actively care for it. According to Genesis 2:15, we are responsible for cultivating and preserving the earth's resources. This balance between cultivating and preserving (working and keeping) the earth depends on godly wisdom. It means balancing economic development with environmental protection. The great challenge is learning how to pursue both at once, for the benefit of men, women, and children, and for the good of animals and plants, of earth, water, and air, all to the glory of God our loving, wise, all-powerful Creator.

from the old testament

Because mankind was created in His image, God gave men and women a privileged place among all creatures and commanded them to exercise stewardship over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8:6-8). Stewardship implies caretaking, not abusing. We are to intelligently manage the resources God has given us, using all diligent care to preserve and protect them.
In Genesis 2:15 God places Adam in the garden to work it and keep it. In other words, Adam is called to cultivate and preserve the land.
In another example, God commanded that the fields and vineyards would be sown and harvested for six years and then left fallow for the seventh year in order to replenish the soil’s nutrients. This allowed the land to rest and ensured continued provision for His people in the future (Exodus 23:10-11; Leviticus 25:1-7).

from the new testament

Christians, as they care for the earth, must remember that this place is not permanent. Second Peter 3:10 declares that everything God created (except people) will be destroyed at the end of the age. Our stewardship of earth is not an eternal assignment. God will create a “new heaven and a new earth” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1).

implications for today

Christian views on environmentalism vary greatly. A conservative Christian approach to environmentalism emphasizes the biblical mandate for stewardship, the interconnectedness of all creation, and the redemptive purpose of God's work in the world. Christians ought to care about what effects we have on earth. However, we should not allow environmentalism to become a form of idolatry (Romans 1:25). The “rights” of an inanimate planet and non-human life should never outweigh those of humanity, who is created in God’s image.

The beliefs of environmentalists that "nature knows best" and that nature is best left untouched by human hands is contrary to the biblical worldview and the stewardship commands (Genesis 1:28) given to mankind at creation. Also, due to a lack of evidence, there is no consensus view on climate change or potential impacts on the environment of human activity.

The biblical view of caring for the environment is generally not what is seen in the political movement of environmentalism today. Many environmentalists see the preservation of earth forever as essential to human life, as some sort of way to gain eternality. But God has told us that this earth will not last; eternal life is in God alone, not in human-made plans for survival. We should care for God's creation and be faithful stewards of it for as long as He gives us on this earth. But we must not place concern for the preservation of earth above seeking God's kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

understand

Christians are called to steward the earth.
Stewardship involves managing resources responsibly for future sustainability.
Environmental care is important, but the earth's temporary nature emphasizes doing this in light of seeking God's kingdom.

reflect

How do you balance your responsibility to care for the environment with your pursuit of seeking God’s kingdom?
How can you be more intentional about stewarding the resources God has entrusted to you in your daily life?
How do you understand the temporary nature of the earth, and how does that shape your approach to environmental care?

engage

How can we encourage others to view stewardship as a part of their design and purpose?
What are some practical ways we can cultivate and preserve the earth while also seeking God’s kingdom?
How does the biblical view of stewardship challenge or align with the more extreme views within the political environmental movement today?