statement on the environment

Seventh-day Adventists believe that humankind was created in the image of God, thus representing God as His stewards, to rule the natural environment in a faithful and fruitful way (Genesis 1:26,27).

Unfortunately, corruption and exploitation have been brought into the management of the human domain of responsibility (Romans 5:12; 8:20,21). Increasingly, men and women have been involved in thoughtless destruction of the earth’s resources, resulting in widespread suffering, environmental disarray and the threat of climate change. While scientific research needs to continue, it is clear from the accumulated evidence that the increasing emission of destructive gases, the depletion of the protective mantle of ozone, the massive destruction of the world’s forests, rising sea levels and the so-called greenhouse effect, are all threatening the earth’s eco-system.

These problems are largely due to human selfishness and the egocentric pursuit of getting more and more through ever-increasing production, unlimited consumption and depletion of non-renewable resources. The ecological crisis is rooted in humankind’s greed and refusal to practise good and faithful stewardship within the divine boundaries of creation.

Seventh-day Adventists advocate a simple, wholesome lifestyle, where people do not step on the treadmill of unbridled consumerism, goods-getting and production of waste. We call for respect of creation, restraint in the use of the world’s resources, re-evaluation of one’s needs and reaffirmation of the dignity of created life.

We support the efforts of concerned world leaders and all humankind to protect and respect that which has been created by God and entrusted to us.

Adventist Record – October 19, 2019