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how can we exercise responsible dominion in an era of climate change and biodiversity loss?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Genesis 1:26-28

God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

This passage is from the opening chapter of Genesis, part of the creation narrative. It describes the culmination of God's creative work, establishing humanity's unique role and relationship with the rest of creation.

How might understanding 'dominion' as stewardship rather than exploitation reshape our actions in the world today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Psalm 8:4-8

    This psalm echoes the theme of humanity's exalted, yet dependent, place in creation.

  • Leviticus 25:1-7

    This passage outlines Sabbath laws for the land, suggesting that even the earth needs rest and renewal.

  • Romans 8:19-22

    Paul speaks of creation groaning, awaiting liberation, linking humanity's fate with the well-being of the natural world.

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