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Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World
What does the Bible say about the natural world and its place within God's purpose? From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals a God whose creative power and loving care embrace all that exists, from earth and sky and sea to every creature. Yet the significance of the Bible's extensive teaching about the natural world is easily overlooked by Christians accustomed to focusing only on what the Bible says about God's interaction with human beings. In Creation Care , father and son team Douglas and Jonathan Moo invite readers to open their Bibles afresh to explore a comprehensive biblical theology of creation care as well as a careful analysis of the most up-to-date scientific data about the state of our world. Following the contours of the biblical storyline, they uncover answers to questions such Rather than merely offering a response to environmental concerns, Creation Care invites readers into a joyful vision of the world as God's creation in which they can rediscover who they truly are as creatures called to love and serve the Creator and to delight in all he has made. ____________ Part of the Biblical Theology for Life series, this practical and robust book will help you develop an effective and faithful Christian response to the scriptural teaching about the created world.
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2018
51 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Douglas J. Moo
100 books86 followersDouglas J. Moo (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois. He is the author of commentaries on Romans, James, 2 Peter and Jude, and Colossians and Philemon and coauthor of An Introduction to the New Testament. He also headed the committee on Bible translation for the NIV revision.
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November 6, 2018
Summary: An survey of the relevant scriptures concerning how we might think biblically and theologically about the creation and our role in it, and the relevance of this teaching to current environmental concerns.
Many discussions about the environment get caught up in arguments about scientific findings and public policies. Often Christians end up fighting each other about these matters as well. What the father and son team of Douglas and Jonathan Moo offer is a study that takes us back to first principles. As Christians, our actions in the world ought not be informed fundamentally by talk radio, political party positions, or scientific papers, but rather biblical teaching, and the wisdom principles that arise from that teaching that we seek to humbly and prayerfully apply to all the activities of our lives.
This work serves as a kind of sourcebook for thinking about caring for creation. The authors begin by asking what we mean by the care of creation and contend that this ought matter to us because it matters to the God we love. They then explore how do we develop a theology of creation, and how we understand the evidence of scripture in light of theology, culture, and science. They suggest a "roundabout" model where understanding of text and these influences feed into each other.
The next seven chapters, the majority of the work, develop the teaching of scripture. They begin with the beautiful world God has created, that it is his and our beginning posture is one of joining all his creatures in worshiping his goodness. They turn to our place as members, rulers, and keepers of creation. In discussing dominion and the idea of subduing the earth, they suggest particularly the idea of "bringing the earth under the appropriate rule of those who bear God's image," a task that becomes even more urgent in a post-Genesis 3 world. This involves abad and shamar, working and caring for God's garden. They explore Israel's relationship to the land, their homeland, and yet owned by God and thus a gift and not a possession. Their use is shaped by sabbath and jubilee, as they trust God to sustain them in the land.
At the same time, they discuss the impact of the fall on a creation "subject to frustration." All creation suffers because of our rebellion against God, yet the context of Paul's reference is that God has acted to redeem and reconcile both us, and the creation. The incarnation reveals God's care for the material creation. God in human flesh in the person of Christ reveals what it means to properly rule in God's world as his image bearers, and died and rose to inaugurate the renewal of God's loving rule through his reconciled creatures. They are part of the new creation accomplished through the resurrection of Christ that not only means new life for those who believe but a new heaven and a new earth. They deal with 2 Peter 3, often understood as "it will all burn," and used to denigrate our care for what will be destroyed, and contend that this passage is best understood as speaking of refining and not destroying fire, consuming all that is dross and evil, preparatory to the new creation.
The last part of the book is a reflection on the relevance of this biblical material in our present time. They propose that caring for creation is an integral part of our gospel. They affirm our role as stewards accountable for good care of the creation, that is also shaped by the realization that our care for creation also is an act of caring for people, and their flourishing. Understanding the biblical teaching leads us into wisdom, which involves knowing and doing, using all of our knowledge of the world, much coming from science, to care for the world in ways that acknowledge God's ownership, the earth's goodness, is just toward all God's creatures, in dependence upon God.
The authors include a chapter briefly summarizing current environmental challenges that require our caring attention: the loss of biodiversity, deforestation, the plight of the world's oceans (depletion of fisheries, destruction of coral reefs, etc.), soil loss and developing sustainable agriculture, and our changing climate. They are measured in their treatment, providing peer-reviewed data. They conclude with the importance of putting creation into our teaching of new creation and putting ourselves into the creation. They commend five ways in which we might be AWAKE to caring for creation:
Attentiveness to the creation and its suffering.
Walking and de-emphasizing mechanized transportation.
Activism, often beginning in our own churches and communities.
Konsumerism: learning to step back from excess to enough.
Eating, through choosing food grown sustainably.
While others have covered this ground, Douglas and Jonathan Moo bring strong evangelical credentials and careful treatment of biblical texts to this task with a strong commitment to biblical authority. Because of this most of the work is formulation of the Bible's teaching. It might be faulted on being short on practical recommendations, yet what this allows is for the reader to reflect on the theology of creation care and determine their own response, perhaps side-stepping politicized discussions.
I would love to commend this work for adult education in churches. The difficulty is that this is a more academic work than I sense many adults in the church willing to engage in an adult education program. The issue is less comprehensibility than comprehensiveness. The treatment of the biblical material is thorough and lengthy, more appropriate for a college or seminary level course. It also would be a good resource for a creation care task force in a church or Christians concerned about the environment who want to think Christianly about their activism. The authors do help us see what is distinctive about a Christian concern for creation and balance proper dominion with care and serving of the creation. They help us understand both how fallen human beings are the problem, and offer hope that as redeemed and reconciled new creations, we can care for God's good world in anticipation of the new heaven and the new earth.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Many discussions about the environment get caught up in arguments about scientific findings and public policies. Often Christians end up fighting each other about these matters as well. What the father and son team of Douglas and Jonathan Moo offer is a study that takes us back to first principles. As Christians, our actions in the world ought not be informed fundamentally by talk radio, political party positions, or scientific papers, but rather biblical teaching, and the wisdom principles that arise from that teaching that we seek to humbly and prayerfully apply to all the activities of our lives.
This work serves as a kind of sourcebook for thinking about caring for creation. The authors begin by asking what we mean by the care of creation and contend that this ought matter to us because it matters to the God we love. They then explore how do we develop a theology of creation, and how we understand the evidence of scripture in light of theology, culture, and science. They suggest a "roundabout" model where understanding of text and these influences feed into each other.
The next seven chapters, the majority of the work, develop the teaching of scripture. They begin with the beautiful world God has created, that it is his and our beginning posture is one of joining all his creatures in worshiping his goodness. They turn to our place as members, rulers, and keepers of creation. In discussing dominion and the idea of subduing the earth, they suggest particularly the idea of "bringing the earth under the appropriate rule of those who bear God's image," a task that becomes even more urgent in a post-Genesis 3 world. This involves abad and shamar, working and caring for God's garden. They explore Israel's relationship to the land, their homeland, and yet owned by God and thus a gift and not a possession. Their use is shaped by sabbath and jubilee, as they trust God to sustain them in the land.
At the same time, they discuss the impact of the fall on a creation "subject to frustration." All creation suffers because of our rebellion against God, yet the context of Paul's reference is that God has acted to redeem and reconcile both us, and the creation. The incarnation reveals God's care for the material creation. God in human flesh in the person of Christ reveals what it means to properly rule in God's world as his image bearers, and died and rose to inaugurate the renewal of God's loving rule through his reconciled creatures. They are part of the new creation accomplished through the resurrection of Christ that not only means new life for those who believe but a new heaven and a new earth. They deal with 2 Peter 3, often understood as "it will all burn," and used to denigrate our care for what will be destroyed, and contend that this passage is best understood as speaking of refining and not destroying fire, consuming all that is dross and evil, preparatory to the new creation.
The last part of the book is a reflection on the relevance of this biblical material in our present time. They propose that caring for creation is an integral part of our gospel. They affirm our role as stewards accountable for good care of the creation, that is also shaped by the realization that our care for creation also is an act of caring for people, and their flourishing. Understanding the biblical teaching leads us into wisdom, which involves knowing and doing, using all of our knowledge of the world, much coming from science, to care for the world in ways that acknowledge God's ownership, the earth's goodness, is just toward all God's creatures, in dependence upon God.
The authors include a chapter briefly summarizing current environmental challenges that require our caring attention: the loss of biodiversity, deforestation, the plight of the world's oceans (depletion of fisheries, destruction of coral reefs, etc.), soil loss and developing sustainable agriculture, and our changing climate. They are measured in their treatment, providing peer-reviewed data. They conclude with the importance of putting creation into our teaching of new creation and putting ourselves into the creation. They commend five ways in which we might be AWAKE to caring for creation:
Attentiveness to the creation and its suffering.
Walking and de-emphasizing mechanized transportation.
Activism, often beginning in our own churches and communities.
Konsumerism: learning to step back from excess to enough.
Eating, through choosing food grown sustainably.
While others have covered this ground, Douglas and Jonathan Moo bring strong evangelical credentials and careful treatment of biblical texts to this task with a strong commitment to biblical authority. Because of this most of the work is formulation of the Bible's teaching. It might be faulted on being short on practical recommendations, yet what this allows is for the reader to reflect on the theology of creation care and determine their own response, perhaps side-stepping politicized discussions.
I would love to commend this work for adult education in churches. The difficulty is that this is a more academic work than I sense many adults in the church willing to engage in an adult education program. The issue is less comprehensibility than comprehensiveness. The treatment of the biblical material is thorough and lengthy, more appropriate for a college or seminary level course. It also would be a good resource for a creation care task force in a church or Christians concerned about the environment who want to think Christianly about their activism. The authors do help us see what is distinctive about a Christian concern for creation and balance proper dominion with care and serving of the creation. They help us understand both how fallen human beings are the problem, and offer hope that as redeemed and reconciled new creations, we can care for God's good world in anticipation of the new heaven and the new earth.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 13, 2021
Un livre très éclairant et intéressant :)
January 12, 2024
I felt like I was in good hands reading on this important topic with these two thoughtful, balanced and well informed authors. I hadn't expected, but really appreciated, the latter chapters, which looked at the state of our planet in light of our biblical mandate for creation care. The tragic thing is how few Christians see any importance at all, in this vital area.
December 6, 2021
(Full review at SpoiledMilks, 5/18/18)
Douglas and Jonathan Moo have written a book to encourage God’s people to care for his creation “by showing that the created world remains important in God’s purposes throughout the story of redemption” (126).
Summary
The book has three sections:
(1) Queuing the Questions
The Moos write that through our involvement we (1) address current challenges facing creation, (2) serve as witnesses to God’s kingdom before the members of the world, and (3) confirm Scripture’s witness of our vocation as “keepers” of God’s creation (26-27).
(2) Arriving at Answers
God created the world as “very good.” This does not give a lowly status to the world. We are not gods who can use the earth according to our whims. “In what ways do we prevent others from perceiving creation’s testimony to God when we fail to care well for creation, to enact justice, and to ensure that the abundance of the earth is shared with all?” (60). It is not unreasonable to think that he wouldn’t allow humanity to suffer for the consequences of trashing his creation. Israel was put into exile for not giving proper rest to God’s land (Lev 25:23). “The incarnation furthermore reveals a God who binds himself to all of his creation” (115). Doug Moo refutes the idea that the world is going to be burnt up by spending time in 2 Peter 3.
(3) Reflecting on Relevance
The Moos give practical examples of how interconnected everything is, such as how coral reefs give life to a quarter of all marine life. Due to pollution, fishing techniques (like trawling), warming seas, and acidification (from the air-riding carbon dioxide, a quarter of which is absorbed into the oceans), projections say coral reefs could disappear by 2050.
Recommended?
Will we ever see a direct result of our careful, caring actions? Possibly not. But, as the authors point out, at the height of the slave trade numerous Christians refused to buy or use sugar that had been made at the cost of another human’s life. None of those acts ended the slave trade, but it may have been one of the proper ways to follow Christ at that time. We should behold and appreciate God’s artistry and care for the earth, the animals, and for us. Something needs to be done. Or, when Isaiah told him that the Lord would bring judgment, should we be satisfied as Hezekiah and think, at least there “will be peace and security in my days”?
Douglas and Jonathan Moo have written a book to encourage God’s people to care for his creation “by showing that the created world remains important in God’s purposes throughout the story of redemption” (126).
Summary
The book has three sections:
(1) Queuing the Questions
The Moos write that through our involvement we (1) address current challenges facing creation, (2) serve as witnesses to God’s kingdom before the members of the world, and (3) confirm Scripture’s witness of our vocation as “keepers” of God’s creation (26-27).
(2) Arriving at Answers
God created the world as “very good.” This does not give a lowly status to the world. We are not gods who can use the earth according to our whims. “In what ways do we prevent others from perceiving creation’s testimony to God when we fail to care well for creation, to enact justice, and to ensure that the abundance of the earth is shared with all?” (60). It is not unreasonable to think that he wouldn’t allow humanity to suffer for the consequences of trashing his creation. Israel was put into exile for not giving proper rest to God’s land (Lev 25:23). “The incarnation furthermore reveals a God who binds himself to all of his creation” (115). Doug Moo refutes the idea that the world is going to be burnt up by spending time in 2 Peter 3.
(3) Reflecting on Relevance
The Moos give practical examples of how interconnected everything is, such as how coral reefs give life to a quarter of all marine life. Due to pollution, fishing techniques (like trawling), warming seas, and acidification (from the air-riding carbon dioxide, a quarter of which is absorbed into the oceans), projections say coral reefs could disappear by 2050.
Recommended?
Will we ever see a direct result of our careful, caring actions? Possibly not. But, as the authors point out, at the height of the slave trade numerous Christians refused to buy or use sugar that had been made at the cost of another human’s life. None of those acts ended the slave trade, but it may have been one of the proper ways to follow Christ at that time. We should behold and appreciate God’s artistry and care for the earth, the animals, and for us. Something needs to be done. Or, when Isaiah told him that the Lord would bring judgment, should we be satisfied as Hezekiah and think, at least there “will be peace and security in my days”?
October 14, 2020
This book, having been recommended and purchased, sat on my bookshelves for some time. I now regret my delay in reading it. It was powerfully inspiring and profoundly challenging.
The Biblical Theology for Life series sets out to apply the theology it explores and this book in the series does just that.
It follows the series format
Queuing the questions - why does this matter
Arriving at answers - what does the bible say on the issue
Reflecting on relevance - converting understanding into action
It so encouraged me to encounter the combination of theological and creation care expertise that followed a path that completed the journey to practical actions in this very real challenge.
I will be recommending this book to others and reviewing the notes I have taken to consolidate all I have learnt.
The Biblical Theology for Life series sets out to apply the theology it explores and this book in the series does just that.
It follows the series format
Queuing the questions - why does this matter
Arriving at answers - what does the bible say on the issue
Reflecting on relevance - converting understanding into action
It so encouraged me to encounter the combination of theological and creation care expertise that followed a path that completed the journey to practical actions in this very real challenge.
I will be recommending this book to others and reviewing the notes I have taken to consolidate all I have learnt.
March 12, 2020
Another excellent contribution to an emerging biblical theology on ‘Creation Care.’ However, it is frustrating how these authors (and other Christian authors on the subject of 'Creation Care') move so fluidly between a strong biblical theology of creation and an evolutionary worldview!! Most of this book elequently draws on the Genesis 1&2 account of creation to build a strong case for Christians and Churches to see the care of creation as an integrated part of our mission, discipleship and worship (supported throughout Scripture). Yet, when it comes to accepting and integrating the science behind ’Climate Change’, the authors undermine their biblical and scientific case with unsubstantiated evolutionary timeframes that are based on speculation and 'best guesses' that cannot be supported by actual recorded data. This assessment is not to deny evidence-based science but to acknowledge that we only have approximately 150 years of reliable climate data to compare and evaluate. Nevertheless, this is a thoughtful and well written theological work.
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May 22, 2023I appreciated the authors emphasis that creation does not primarily exist for us. It is primarily about displaying the glory of God (His creativity, wisdom, goodness, power), and therein is the motivation to steward it well.
I also appreciated how the authors hold in tension the enduring goodness of Creation with the impact of the fall... "There is clearly a tension between celebrating the goodness of a wild wold that has things like lions and earthquakes in it and feeling sorrow for the suffering and loss of life that is the inevitable result of such things. We are caught up in mystery here, and there are no easy answers. Yet the psalmist would teach us humility and reverence before God and invites us into awe and wonder at the world he made and all it's creatures." (p. 61).
I felt some of their emphases lacked a bit of perspective, while others I found very insightful and thought-provoking.
I also appreciated how the authors hold in tension the enduring goodness of Creation with the impact of the fall... "There is clearly a tension between celebrating the goodness of a wild wold that has things like lions and earthquakes in it and feeling sorrow for the suffering and loss of life that is the inevitable result of such things. We are caught up in mystery here, and there are no easy answers. Yet the psalmist would teach us humility and reverence before God and invites us into awe and wonder at the world he made and all it's creatures." (p. 61).
I felt some of their emphases lacked a bit of perspective, while others I found very insightful and thought-provoking.
May 28, 2025
This is an excellent read for anyone interested in what the Bible has to say about how we should care for the earth (spoiler: a lot). The authors do a wonderful job combining solid Biblical exegesis, practical life experience, and ecological science in a relatively short and accessible book. So much of what they write resonates with what I already knew and believed but struggled to put words to. I was especially encouraged by their interpretation of Greek and Hebrew passages that I would have struggled to interpret in their full ecological and social significance as a layman with little knowledge of ancient languages.
Most of all, I am grateful that the authors remain humble and do not give into despair over the global ecological crisis or the associated pitfalls of legalism or pride. They do a wonderful job patiently explaining the moral and practical imperatives of creation care even to those who otherwise may not be convinced.
Most of all, I am grateful that the authors remain humble and do not give into despair over the global ecological crisis or the associated pitfalls of legalism or pride. They do a wonderful job patiently explaining the moral and practical imperatives of creation care even to those who otherwise may not be convinced.
November 4, 2019
This is a good book, and I find it very encouraging to read a book by evangelicals that affirm a need for genuine creation care, including climate change. While I thought it was a very good book, it often seemed like the subtitle should have been the title, and the title should have been the subtitle. It reads as a Biblical Theology of the Natural World with some insightful implications for creation care. I would have liked to have seen it offer more on the global challenges we're facing, especially in the second half of the book.
March 15, 2021
I was interested in this book because I’ve been thinking about writing one like it. This book was a real help because it identified some of the exegetical and theological challenges in addressing the subject of creation care. I think their decision to advocate for climate change and assume the readers accept an old earth creation will probably lose some, but I’m sure the authors are okay with that decision. I really liked the viewpoint that both father and son brought to this book and even some acknowledgement of differences in how the read passages.
April 26, 2021
This is a really great book on Creation Care. Douglas Moo is a top notch NT scholar. I'm not sure about his son's background. Anyway, the authors did their background work in the Bible to bring the reader an accurate understanding of what the Scriptures say about caring for the planet and why it is vital to Christian practice.
I'm not 100% sold on their conclusions about global warming/climate change because there are many scientists and conflicting views on the "evidence". That said, with or without the issue of climate change, there is still a responsibility to care for creation!
I'm not 100% sold on their conclusions about global warming/climate change because there are many scientists and conflicting views on the "evidence". That said, with or without the issue of climate change, there is still a responsibility to care for creation!
January 2, 2020
This is a unique book on the environmental crisis we are facing for 3 reasons:
1. It is firmly written from an evangelical position
2. It is written by a theologian and a scientist & combines both well
3. It is incredibly challenging, but not condemning and condescending
A bit long and technical....so not suitable for everyone. But we’ll worth working through. I think all pastors should read it
1. It is firmly written from an evangelical position
2. It is written by a theologian and a scientist & combines both well
3. It is incredibly challenging, but not condemning and condescending
A bit long and technical....so not suitable for everyone. But we’ll worth working through. I think all pastors should read it
October 25, 2018
Longwinded, too much on too little, and not enough solid data, detail, or clarity when it eventually gets around to practical application (much like the plethora of pamphlets one might find at an Earth Day gathering). Other texts address “creation care” with better articulation in less space. Still, the book contains some helpful material and may be found useful in some contexts.
June 12, 2021
Used this to orient myself for a Bible Study of the same name. An incredible examination of Biblical texts on creation. The last prescriptive section on things to do is enlightening if not comprehensive. Excellent tool for people who want to dig deeper into the Bible on this vital issue.
January 1, 2020
Well done, even if most of the content is stuff I’ve seen or heard before
September 18, 2020
Very practical, especially at the end. I thought it was too matter of fact about time periods based on scientific consensus.
March 26, 2022
What a waste of time. Nearly unintelligible and unreadable.
July 3, 2025
An important read for Christian’s
I don’t agree with everything in the book, but it made me think a lot about my, and every Christian’s, purpose in stewarding God’s creation.
I don’t agree with everything in the book, but it made me think a lot about my, and every Christian’s, purpose in stewarding God’s creation.
October 14, 2019
Wow. I don’t know where to start. This is such a surprisingly remarkable book! Biblical, relevant, and Christ-centered, this is an excellent introduction on the topic for Christians with so many angles covered.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews