Can Christians be environmentalists? Should Christians be environmentalists?

For a long time, a complicated relationship has existed between Christianity and efforts to care for the environment- at least in the Western Church. However, those who have worked at the intersection of faith and sustainability have realized that these two things go hand-in-hand. Caring for creation fulfills a biblical mandate God has given humanity. Taking care of the Earth can also draw us closer to God. So why the tension?

To investigate this, we talk to Tim Buechsel, a pastor in Hong Kong on the verge of preparing for a sermon on God's environmental justice. We hear from Matthew Sleeth, author of the book Reforesting Faith on how trees communicate the story of the Gospel. We also talk to Phileena Heurtz on how contemplative spirituality can help us connect with God amidst challenging environmental crises.

Welcome to the Grassroots Podcast, a Plant With Purpose production. This show features global conversations about the environmental challenges we’re facing and what ordinary people are doing to in response.  We’re going beyond doom-and-gloom. We’re looking at root causes, talking to people on the frontlines, and asking ourselves what we can do. There are reasons to be concerned, but there is also a case for hope.