In April, many schools spend some time talking about Earth Day, which this year takes place this coming Monday, April 22, 2024. Let’s explore some things to look for in regard to Earth Day celebrations and tips for encouraging a biblical worldview on Earth Day.
The Worldview Implications of Earth Day
As you consider activities that you might implement regarding Earth Day, be aware of the worldview implications. Earth Day was initiated in 1970 as a movement to protect the earth from industrial practices that harmed the health of people and the environment. On the surface, protecting the Earth sounds like a worthwhile mission that would align with a biblical worldview. Be aware of phrases and terms that are frequently used in books, activities, posters, and other Earth Day materials that do not align.
Mother Earth or Mother Nature are entities frequently referred to when talking about Earth Day. A blogger offering craft ideas stated, “Do this as a sweet way to honor Mother Nature.” As Christians, we worship our Father God, who created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1, Psalm 19:1, Colossians 1:16). There is no Mother Earth or Mother Nature.
One website rallied support with the statement, “Get involved and help our planet!” Can we really help our planet? We can take care of the planet that God gave to us and told us to steward (Genesis 1:28, 2:15), but only God can control it (Psalm 24:1).
I saw a suggested activity that explained how to make treats for Earth Day. The directions explained how to decorate cookies that looked like the earth, complete with a big red heart to show how much we love the earth. Do we love the earth or love the Creator God who made the amazing earth? The passage in Romans 1:25-26 talks about how some people exchanged the truth for a lie by worshiping created things over the creator. It is important to keep the focus of Earth Day on the one who created the Earth rather than the creation.
Tips for Encouraging a Biblical Worldview on Earth Day
As Christian educators, we can use Earth Day to teach truth and build awareness in our students about some of the ideas that do not fit with a biblical worldview. Here are some activities that encourage a biblical worldview in regard to Earth Day:
- Show some of the statements that inappropriately foster worship and honor of Mother Earth or the creation. Have the students determine the meaning of those statements and then rewrite them to express a biblical worldview.
- Take some time to worship Jesus for creating such a beautiful place to live. Offer prayers of thanksgiving to God for loving us so much that he created a world that provides food for us.
- Point out that God gave people the responsibility to take care of the earth as stated in Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:15. Students can then participate in activities to take care of the earth God gave us, such as recycling and planting trees. The motivation for the activities needs to be to be obedient to God rather than protect something we cannot control.
For older students, choose one or two questions to discuss with your students related to Earth Day and biblical concepts. Here are some discussion questions offered a few years back by Mark Brown with Lifelines, the outdoor ministry of CRU. (Hint: These questions can also be used as essential questions for providing biblical integration in earth science courses.)
- What is the difference between seeing creation and seeing the God of creation?
- How can we worship the God of Creation and not creation itself?
- What does this mountain range, tree, river, waterfall, etc. tell us about the nature and the power of God?
- If [natural] revelation is both perceived within us and around us, what can I learn about God by how I respond in my spirit to great and striking moments of natural beauty?
- With Christ, we have a new lens through which we can more accurately interpret natural revelation [God’s revelation in nature]. Does anything we perceive around us tell the story of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation?
Remember the One Who Created All Things
Take the time during Earth Day to celebrate the one who created all things with beauty and perfection.
But ask the beasts, and they will teach you;
the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
Or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you;
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the Lord has done this?
In his hand is the life of every living thing
And the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:7-19 ESV
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