what practical steps does affirming creation's goodness imply for environmental action today?

Then — the setting

This passage comes from the priestly account of creation (P-source), likely compiled during or after the Babylonian exile (6th-5th centuries BCE). It affirmed God's sole creative power and the intrinsic value of creation in a context where Israel had lost its land and temple, providing a theological foundation for hope and identity. It countered Mesopotamian myths that often depicted creation as a byproduct of conflict or divine struggle, instead presenting an orderly, intentional, and inherently good world established by a single, benevolent deity.

Across the Testaments

The Old Testament often reiterates the goodness and beauty of creation, seeing it as a testament to God's power and wisdom (e.g., Job 38-41, Psalm 104). The New Testament builds on this, with Jesus demonstrating care for the natural world through parables and his own actions. While Romans 8 acknowledges creation's 'groaning' under the weight of human fallenness, it doesn't negate creation's original goodness but anticipates its redemption. The New Testament also extends the idea of stewardship from Genesis to a broader theological understanding of caring for God's creation as part of human responsibility.

Keep thinking

• Behind the textwhat did 'good' mean to an ancient israelite audience when describing creation?
• Across the Biblehow does this initial statement of goodness reconcile with later biblical texts about human fallenness or a groaning creation?
• For todaywhat specific changes in consumption or advocacy does valuing 'very good' creation suggest for us?

Read alongside it

• Psalm 8:3-6

  Celebrates humanity's unique role and responsibility over creation.

• Romans 8:19-22

  Speaks of creation groaning and awaiting redemption alongside humanity.

• Revelation 21:1

  Envisions a new heaven and new earth, implying creation's ultimate renewal.

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