The world Dominion

Christians have different opinions when it comes to interpretations about the origins of the universe. The Christian faith teaches that the Earth belongs to God and that humans are stewards in charge of its care.

Part ofReligious StudiesLife and death - Unit 1

Dominion

The term means to rule over nature. This is the idea that humans are in charge of the world on behalf of God. Some Christians who have a literal interpretation of the Bible believe that this gives humans the right to use the world's natural resources for their own benefit.

In Genesis 1:26-31, God creates humans and gives them the Earth to care for.

God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground'.
— Genesis 1.28

By giving humans dominion over the land and animals, God is giving humanity the right to control and have power over all other living beings.

Stewardship

The term means to look after the world for God. God has created a world in which humans have a special role as stewards of creation. This means they should look after the interests of the planet and all life on it. This belief is more about living in harmony with nature.

When God gave humans dominion over the land, he gave them responsibility too. Humans were created to be stewards of the land, ie:

  • to use it
  • to look after it
  • to protect it
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Environmental responsibility
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Christian teachings on the environment

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