— ABCU president speaks on faith and climate change; provides context on theology, environment
Dr. Delbert Chinchen, President of the African Bible Colleges University (ABCU), on Thursday, November 21, delivered a compelling keynote address at the 2024 International Theological Education Conference (ITEC), held at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS) in Paynesville.
Dr. Chinchen’s speech highlighted the pressing ecological challenges facing the world today: climate change, pollution, deforestation, species extinction and more, calling on Christians to reconsider their role in environmental preservation.
In his address, Dr. Chinchen posed a critical question: Are Christians part of the problem or the solution? He emphasized that Christians, constituting a significant portion of the global population, bear a profound moral and theological responsibility to protect the Earth as stewards of God’s creation.
“Pollution, ocean depletion, climate change, destruction of habitats, and extinction of species, deforestation, and erosion are crises that threaten our beautiful planet,” Dr. Chinchen stated. “While some look to the stars for a future home, what are we doing to care for the home God has given us? Are we contributing to these problems, or are we part of the solution?”
Dr. Chinchen acknowledged that many Christians remain skeptical about environmental movements, fearing they prioritize nature over human needs. This skepticism, he noted, often stems from misconceptions about the “green movement” and its association with controversial population control measures such as abortion.
He urged Christians to engage thoughtfully with these issues, recognizing stewardship as a biblical mandate rather than a political agenda.
Referencing historian Lynn White’s criticism of Christianity’s perceived role in environmental degradation, Dr. Chinchen challenged the view that Christianity fosters exploitation.
“True Christian theology calls for responsible stewardship,” he argued. “Christians believe that God is the creator and owner of all things. Our role is not to exploit but to steward. We are caretakers of God’s creation, tasked with protecting it and leaving it better than we found it.”
Dr. Chinchen outlined three essential roles of a steward:
Protect and Sustain – Christians must actively work to preserve the environment and combat ecological degradation.
Glorify God Through Creation – By appreciating and caring for nature, Christians point others to God’s handiwork.
Preserve the Creation Story – Future generations must inherit a world that continues to tell the story of God’s creation.
He stressed that environmental care is not merely a social or political issue but a spiritual one. “Nature sustains us, and we must protect it as an act of worship,” Dr. Chinchen asserted. “Our theology should not be an obstacle but a resource in addressing environmental challenges. We need to begin with a confession—that we have not done well as stewards of God’s creation. Only then can we move forward in genuine stewardship.”
This perspective calls for a profound shift in mindset. “We must see this planet as our home, a gift entrusted to us by God,” he said. “When we view the Earth as God’s creation, our responsibility becomes clear. Stewardship is not optional; it is a fundamental part of our faith. Protecting and sustaining our environment glorifies God and points others to His glory.”
Dr. Chinchen’s message resonated deeply in Liberia, a nation facing significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, coastal erosion, and pollution. These issues threaten the country’s natural beauty and the livelihoods of its people. In this context, the conference’s theme served as a powerful call to action for both local and global Christian communities.
Rev. Momolu A. Massaquoi, LBTS president, reinforced this message, emphasizing the interconnectedness of faith and ecology. “Environmental stewardship is not a peripheral concern but a core aspect of Christian discipleship,” he stated. “Our theology should guide us in caring for God’s creation. We must protect nature as an act of worship, recognizing it as a gift from God.”
He echoed Dr. Chinchen’s call for reflection and action. “We need to admit that we have not done well as stewards of God’s creation. Only then can we move forward in genuine stewardship. Caring for the environment is about honoring God. It’s not just about preserving nature for future generations—it’s about glorifying the Creator.”
The conference concluded with a clear and urgent message: Christians cannot remain passive in the face of environmental crises. Dr. Chinchen and Dr. Massaquoi urged the global Christian community to take both individual and collective action to care for God’s creation.
“This is not just about preserving nature for future generations; it is about honoring God,” Dr. Chinchen concluded. “We are stewards, not owners. Let us take responsibility for the Earth, caring for it as an act of worship and leaving it better than we found it.”
In a world where environmental issues often seem overwhelming, the conference offered hope and direction. By integrating theology with environmental stewardship, Christians can play a transformative role in addressing the ecological crises of our time.
The conference was held under the theme, “The Intersection of Theology and Environmental Stewardship,” underscored the urgent need for Christians to engage actively in preserving the environment.
