Introduction
The creation story in the book of Genesis is one of the most fascinating stories ever told. Genesis chapter 1-3 gives an account of the creation story and it is explicitly on the issues of the creation. Many people have had conflicts when it comes to interpreting the creation story in the bible. Scientific evolution theory and the creation story have to say the least created some conflicting in understanding from different quarters. Scientists believe that creation was through evolution from some stages while mainstream Christians disagree saying God is the ultimate creator. The ecological system and the issues of degradation are both understood differently by those of Christian faith and scientists.
Butkus Arguments
Butkus argues that the notion of stewardship comes from the bible. He notes that the events in the book of Genesis, Psalms and the wisdom books of Israel all give an account of what the stewardship is all about. The bible encourages each of those in the Christian faith to be on the lead in interpreting correctly and responding to the environmental crisis. Environmental issues are grave and should be responded with speed and with an open mind in a bid to resolving the issues therein. Butkus notes that God is the central figure in the creation story. Creation did not end when God rested on the seventh day but rather it is a continuous thing. The order that is seen in the creation story is a result of the stewardship that God had over the creation. Butkus notes, “Stewardship points to the purpose and role of humanity in creation”. He further notes that Psalms 8 is a classical example of the role of humanity in stewardship.
Butkus argues that dominion in Genesis has a totally different meaning from what people think. He notes that dominion does not mean having too much influence of whatever one feels like. Rather dominion according to Butkus is being responsible and exercising of care towards caring for the creation. He notes “Dominion, therefore, does not mean to exploit or destroy but to exercise care and responsibility for God’s domain particularly in the interest of those who are poor and marginalized”. In his final remarks Butkus notes that Christian ethical values should be guided by a need to think about a just system with people having equal opportunities. Environmental stewardship should also be an ethical concern for the Christians.
Dempsey’s Argument
Dempsey notes that God is the ultimate creator of all the things. In fact, he notes that God had a special attachment to the creation and had from time to time blessed the creation. This brings into focus Gods ultimate role in creation. The role of God in the creation is no doubt a central role and makes it the very essence of the creation. God loves for creation is no affectionate. In Genesis 1:4, God looks at the creation and talks of the goodness. Dempsey also notes that man has the ultimate role in caring for the environment as a way of showing concern for the greater good of the society. Relationship between man and animals is considered to be one that is peaceful and harmonious. In Genesis 2:19-20 the relationship is cemented by way of man naming the animals. Dempsey however is of a contrary opinion saying, “It implies bloodiness and dominance”.
The concerns of Dempsey are a harmonious relationship between the animal and man. Man has a responsibility to exercise dominance with a lot of responsibility. This in a wider sense is creation preservation and not degradation. For Dempsey he notes that there will be a time when there is some relativity in the relationship between man and animals. The covenant relationships in the Old Testament point out of a relationship between man and animals like in the covenant of Noah in Genesis chapter 9. In Genesis 9:1-17 God talks of a commitment never to cut human life with floods neither to destroy the earth with water. This in itself shows Gods commitment and love for the environment.
Conclusion
Both Butkus and Dempsey are in agreement that God is the central role in the creation genealogy. The greater responsibility for humanity is for the greater good of the creation. Dominance should not in effect be abused, as it is detrimental to the environmental well-being. In this regard, humanity has to be at the center of continuation of the creation. God is more concerned with the creation and man has one created in the image and likeness of God should be able to make the creation to be a noble one. The relationship between animals and man should be a relatively peaceful one because in so doing it is a wider sense in preserving the creation. Ecological wellbeing is very important to everyone of Christian faith. Everyone has to understand that creation demands some moral ethics to make it be what God intended it to be. If the continual environmental degradation continues then all are to blame for the neglect and mess up in the environment.
Bibliography:
Butkus, Russell. 2004. The stewardship of creation. Baylor University Texas. Print
Dempsey, Carol. Hope amid the ruins: the ethics of Israel’s prophets. St. Louis MO. 2000. Press.
Tyndale House Publishers. 2004. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale
House Publishers.
