four most important biblical passages for a Christian enviromentalism, The

This careful ordering of ecosystems is, says the psalmist, a demonstration of divine genius.

Closely related to this third contribution, in fact flowing out of it, is the fourth, which speaks of the impact of the perfection of the creation upon man. By the time the psalmist took up his pen, sin had long since invaded Eden and left its mark upon creation. Of this the psalmist is not unaware. He speaks of prowling lions roaring for their hapless prey (v. 21). He knows that terror and death are common among man and beast (v. 29). He does not avert his eyes from the destruction of earthquake and volcano (v. 32). He openly acknowledges the existence of wicked men (v. 35). He sees that nature is, in fact, "red in tooth and claw." Nonetheless, he observes creation and cannot restrain his praise.

Despite the intrusion of sin and its marring effects there remains a powerful and clearly visible witness in creation to, as the apostle Paul puts it, the "eternal power and divine nature" of God (Rom 1:19-20). The heavens still declare the "glory of God" and the skies still proclaim his "handiwork" (Ps 19:1). Particular characteristics of God are revealed in his works. The author of Psalm 104 could actually see evidence of God's wisdom and wealth. Therefore he is drawn to praise God for these specific attributes. Herein we see the doxological value of creation.19

Psalm 104 presents more than just propositional truth. It models for us the response appropriate to our discovery of God's manifest presence in creation. As God's people are moved to cry "Glory!" when they observe the thunderstorm approach from over the Mediterranean (Ps 29:3-9); as Solomon is awestruck as he watches one of God's eagles soaring the thermals (Prov 30:18-19); so should we respond with appropriate humble praise when creation points us beyond itself to an all-wise almighty God.

There are clear environmental implications here. If "all" of God's works were made with wisdom, then each one has the ability to speak to man of that wisdom. Thus every loss of species is a diminution of man's opportunity to observe the perfection of God. In John's vision of the heavenly throne he hears the elders sing to the Lord, "You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things" (Rev 4:11; emphasis added). Any destruction of creation removes from man a cause for giving honor to God. Every species, every ecosystem, reveals the wisdom of God and thus exerts a powerful doxological influence20 We must remember that God also told at least all the birds and all the marine creatures to "be fruitful and increase in number" (Gen 1:22; emphasis added). Thus we must find a way to co-exist with these creatures in a mutual fruitfulness, one which recognizes and honors the wisdom of the Lord and lets "all things, their creator bless."20

B. Genesis 1-2

Given the fullness of Psalm 104 and its unique relationship with the opening chapters of Genesis, we will find, as we turn to those chapters, that much of their ground has already been covered. Thus we will treat a good part of the contribution of Genesis 1-2 in a more brief and summary form. There is one contribution of these chapters, however, which stands, in order of importance, second only to the statement that God is the creator of the universe. A primary concern of theology, much more, of a Christian environmentalism, must be that of determining mankind's proper place and role before God in the context of creation. It is in addressing this concern that Genesis 12 delivers its greatest value.