Reflecting on Environmental Justice - Teaching Material

As we stand at the intersection of Environmental Justice and our Christian faith, we find ourselves called to a deeper reflection on what it means to live out our beliefs in a world that is often hurting and degraded. The promise of Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord—invites us to consider not only our individual destinies but the collective future of creation itself. God’s plans are woven into the very fabric of the earth, a tapestry of life that reflects divine purpose and intention.

In our pursuit of Environmental Justice, we uncover profound theological implications about human dignity and divine sovereignty. When we speak of justice, we must remember that it is not merely a legal term but a sacred calling. Our commitment to care for the earth is rooted in the recognition that all creation is imbued with dignitas, the dignity bestowed by our Creator. This means that every leaf, every stream, and every creature holds value and purpose in the divine narrative.

We must ask ourselves: How does our faith compel us to act? It prompts us to rise against environmental degradation as an affront to the sovereignty of God, who has entrusted us to steward this world. Engaging in this profound work can ignite within us a sense of community and collective purpose. Imagine a congregation united not just in worship, but in action—creating green spaces, advocating for clean water, protecting vulnerable ecosystems.

As we live out our faith in tangible ways, we become instruments of shalom—wholeness and peace—not just for ourselves but for future generations. Let us lean into this calling, allowing our theological commitments to guide our hands and hearts as we champion the flourishing of all God’s creation. In doing so, we fulfill the promise of hope embedded in God’s plans, finding purpose as we work toward a restored earth.