Dominion Over the Earth

Dear Brother Ron

Do you think the whole idea that God gave us dominion over the earth and all the animals is damaging? It seems to be an excuse to do as we please and not care what the consequences are. Do you think it is a bad idea?

Chiang

Dear Chiang

God gave man dominion over the earth because He wanted His children to have access to the things they would need to become what He wanted them to become. Unfortunately, some of those children have the mistaken idea they can abuse the resources God gave us without suffering the consequences. They are wrong.

Our bodies are constantly replenishing themselves. You get a new head of hair every two to four years. You get a new skin every fifteen years. Internal organs also shed old cells and grow new ones. The material for this replenishment comes from the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. If these things are poisoned, our bodies become poisoned as well.

Although I follow the teachings of Jesus, I agree with the Wiccan Rede, "An it harm none, do as ye will". The operative word here is "none". Don't hurt each other. Don't hurt the plants and animals. Don't hurt the planet. And don't hurt yourself. Sounds like good advice to me.

Let me ask you a question. What do you think would happen if you poured kerosene, jet fuel or diesel fuel into your gasoline engine? How long do you think it would keep running? Your car is a mechanical machine. Your body is a chemical machine which is a thousand times more complex than your car. What do you think happens when you continue to provide that machine with bad fuel, bad water and bad air?

I just hope we eventually prove we are as smart as God gave us credit for being.

Best always
Brother Ron