Unpacking the theological and cultural roots of why many Christians have ignored or resisted environmental issues, Mike and Andy answer a listener's question from a post-Thanksgiving Facebook group that's diving into faith, science, and the planet. Drawing on the Genesis creation narrative and the biblical theme of heaven and earth, they explore why the church should lead the charge in caring for creation, and what's at stake when we don't. This episode takes a deep dive into the biblical framework that supports environmental stewardship, challenges the theology that says "the Earth doesn't matter because it's all going to burn," and offers hope that strikes at the heart of climate apathy. Key Takeaways: • Biblical Mandate to Steward the Earth – Genesis 1 positions humanity as image-bearers of God tasked with ruling and caring for creation as co-regents and priests. • Why We've Failed – How bad theology, political polarization, and capitalism have led many Christians to ignore or oppose environmental movements, wrongly labeling them "liberal." • The Real Endgame – The true biblical narrative isn't about escaping earth for heaven, but heaven and earth being reunited through a purification and renewal of creation. • Climate Justice as a Discipleship Issue – Taking care of the planet isn't just a trendy concern; it's central to following Jesus and participating in God's redemptive mission. • Jesus and the Scope of Salvation – Jesus didn't talk about "souls going to heaven." Instead, he announced the arrival of God's kingdom and invited people to align with it now—which includes caring for creation. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1 & 2 – For foundational theology on humans as image-bearers. • Romans 8 – Creation groaning and awaiting redemption. • Revelation 21 – Vision of a New Heaven and New Earth. • 2 Peter 3 – Understanding "purified by fire" as renewal rather than annihilation. • Teaching on Heaven and Earth from Vox Community – November 27 • Visual Diagrams of Heaven and Earth (via show notes) Join the conversation and challenge the narrative. Let's be the church that reflects Jesus's love—not just for people, but for all of God's good creation. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and take part in this mission of restoration. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETsy Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy