A.7. The Theological Basis for Going Solar

MISE is rooted in Christian theology that affirms creation is valued by God and we are called to care for it in life-giving ways.

There are many reasons caring for creation by installing solar energy and this can be an expression of Christian discipleship.


Creation reveals the Power of God
As Genesis teaches, we know that God created the earth and all that is in it.

That alone is reason enough to care for it.

We also know that the beauty of creation can teach us about our Creator, as Job 12:7-10 puts so well:

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you.

Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?

Fossil fuel energy is one of the biggest destroyers of creation’s beauty, as anyone who has visited Alberta’s tar sands will tell you.

Renewable energy works with the cycles of nature, rather than extracting energy out of it and laying it waste.

By harnessing the constant energy of the sun, we can ensure the beauty of creation remains so that God can continue to speak through it.

See also: Genesis 1:1-31, Psalm 19:1; 24:1-10; 104, Job 39-41; Matthew 6:26-29, John 1:1-5.






 Creation is part of God’s Salvation Story

Human sin didn’t just impact our relationship with God; it also harmed our relationship with creation.

This can be seen throughout the prophetic books of the Bible as the land “mourns” and “languishes.”

Thankfully, as we know, sin is not the final word.

Through Jesus, we are offered salvation from sin.

This salvation goes well beyond human souls, but extends to creation itself.

Colossians 1: 19-20 says it best:

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Reconciling strained relationships and healing hurts is made possible through Jesus.

Every choice to live lightly on the earth can be used by God to bring hope and reconciliation to the world.

Solar energy, in particular, is a visible witness to our neighbours that we believe in salvation and redemption for the entire created order, and are committed to live by God’s present and coming kingdom.

See also: Genesis 3:14-19, Jeremiah 4:18-28, Isaiah 24:4-13, Ezekiel 34:17-22, Romans 8:18-25, Isaiah 65:17-25, Revelation 21:1-5. 


Loving our Neighbours by Caring for Creation

How we treat the environment has a direct impact on the lives of our neighbours, both locally and globally.

As the effects of climate change become well known, it is overwhelmingly the poor of our world who are bearing the brunt of global warming, despite contributing the least.

Matthew 25 can speak to this reality, as Jesus calls us to care for our neighbours as if they were Jesus himself:

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.

Giving material aid to those in need is essential, but love of neighbour must go beyond handouts.

Providing for our own needs in ways that don’t jeopardize others’ livelihoods can embody Jesus’ call to love our neighbours.

Solar energy, when combined with energy conservation and living with less, can ensure all people benefit from a stable climate and fair access to energy and other resources.

See also: Exodus 23:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, Isaiah 58:10-12, Hosea 4:1-3, Mark 12:30-31, Luke 4:18-19, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21.