“Then God said, ‘Let’s make humans in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have ‘dominion.’" This has long been the way Genesis 1:26 has been translated. But many have noted that through the generations, dominion over creation has come to be viewed as a “despotism.” Frankly, in this time of climate crisis, given viruses, earthquakes and weather catastrophes, no one can argue that we really are “in charge” of the created order.
More recently, biblical scholars suggest that the word for “dominion” is better understood as “stewardship". Peter Block would say, “Stewardship questions the belief that accountability and control go hand in hand.” We are not in control, but we are accountable. In this season of stewardship at church, we see that to care for creation is the first call for humans to be stewards. We are to know that the responsibility for the care of creation, and the ability to be nurtured by creation, are primary realities for us.
In the Letter of James, we read that if we offer blessings for those in need, but do nothing to actively care for them, our faith is dead. And while that may mean doing something as simple as giving a cup of water to a thirsty soul, it may mean much more. We are presently seeing that the climate crisis places an even greater burden on those with little economic resource.
Katharine Hayhoe, who is both an evangelical Christian and an environmental scientist, says that most people agree that the climate is in crisis, and that humans have contributed to that, and that it will negatively effect “others”. But, she continues, the majority are not convinced that it will affect them. They have, as she says, created a psychological distance from what they see. But stewardship cannot happen at a distance. We’ll talk about this in service on Sunday, as the sermon is titled “Stewarding the Gifts of the God of Dirt.” The sermon arises from Genesis 1: 26-31, to be read by Claire Carney, and James 2: 8-17, to be read by Cathy McFarland. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us in music, and we will sing hymns, pray and have a moment for children.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for a long time, a short time, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the livestream. To join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.