Sermon On Ecology & The Environment

Rachel Louise Carson, an American marine biologist, author and conservationist once remarked: “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” A particular thought relating to this quote might suggest: “The red and succulent berries on the fruitful tree of life, provide a source of sweetness, for our bitterness and strife.” Proverbs 17:19 confirms: “Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction.”

The entire concept of Ecology and the Environment is summarised in the initial verses of the Bible. Ecology not only enriches our world by its research, but it is also crucial to the well-being of the universe. It provides knowledge and studies the significant relationship between mankind and nature. The information gleaned is vital to the successful production of food supplies and seeks to maintain clean air and water. It helps to preserve and sustain biodiversity in an ever-changing world climate. It significantly aids nature conservation and promotes growth and survival of many species in areas of impecuniosity. The environment, in conjunction, provides us with the necessary resources to maintain production and survival.

The universe has been formed at the pleasure of God since the beginning of time. Ecology, as it is defined, is a branch of biology that deals with the relationship of organisms to one another and their physical surroundings. It includes all living things and creatures that dwell on land or in the seas and the environment in which they live. It explores the algorithm and vital connections between the various sciences appertaining to this particular field. It includes human beings, aquatic species, animals, plant life and the like.

An organism is defined as an individual animal, plant or other single-celled life form. Sir David Attenborough, the English-born broadcaster, biologist, natural historian and author once remarked: "An understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment."

An Ecologist is defined as a scientist who studies the inter-relationship within the many distinct fields. There are several scientific studies that the field of ecology engages. These include such interests as agriculture, forestry and fisheries to name but a few.

Genesis 1:1-2 reminds us: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Verse 9 continues: And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.”

Verses 20-31 continue: “And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds - livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so.

And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Then 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 heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”