Last week I wrapped up my post with the mandate from Genesis 1:28, that we are to subdue the earth and rule over it. While that gives no license to abuse or waste natural creation, the outrage in our news (2015-2016) about the killing of Cecil the Lion and Harambe the Gorilla should serve as a reminder that we also must not worship creation in the place of God or preserve it at the expense of humanity. 

A certain trophy-hunter dentist from North America was responsible for Cecil's death and a Cincinnati Zookeeper for that of Harambe. In Cecil's case, the lion was lured out of the protective confines of a National Park by locals in order for the dentist to shoot him with a bow. In Harambe's case, the gorilla was shot in order to protect the life of a four-year old child that had somehow climbed into his enclosure. Both situations resulted in tremendous public outrage directed at the dentist and the Zoo (including the parents of the child) for the deaths of these innocent animals.

While I disagree with the senseless slaughter of animals, I also am aware that some villagers in Africa rejoiced at the death of another lion due to the danger it posed to their lives. Consider this excerpt from an op-ed in the New York Times on August 4, 2015 by Goodwell Nzou, a doctoral student at Wake Forest University: “We Zimbabweans are left shaking our heads, wondering why Americans care more about African animals than about African people.”

Humanity is the triumph of God’s creation, endowed with work, for his benefit and the glory of God. And this includes subduing and ruling over creation. Perhaps too many Americans have a misplacement of affections—an over-emphasis on animals—for our work includes the stewardship or management of our earth's resources. Let me explain further. After teaching a Perspectives class one evening in Indiana, my wife Amy and I stayed in the home of a game warden or wildlife management officer. He explained to us why it’s necessary to control the deer population (Ecosystem, forest health). His insights while on a walk through his woods was most delightful. (I could say much more on this subject—especially in light of the “pet craze” vs. the value placed on raising children—but that would distract me from my main point plus potentially give rise to unwarranted hate mail!)

We honor and worship our God when we keep creation in proper perspective. God placed us in this beautiful garden to survive and thrive in the context of work.