“What is the Church’s view on the environment?” New Era, Oct. 2019, 45.
To the Point
What is the Church’s view on the environment?
God created the earth and declared His creations to be “very good” (see Genesis 1:1, 31). This earth was created to house God’s children as part of His plan of salvation. The earth itself will be sanctified and receive a celestial glory (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:18–19).
God made the earth not only useful but also beautiful. The things of the earth “are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart,” as well as “to enliven the soul” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:18–19).
A key word in understanding our view on the environment is stewardship. It doesn’t mean that people own the earth and can exploit it however they like but rather that we are accountable for how we use its resources (see Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–15). Though “there is enough and to spare” (Doctrine and Covenants 104:17), God wants us to use the earth’s resources wisely (see Doctrine and Covenants 59:20).
We should honor God by appreciating His creations, expressing gratitude for them, and striving to keep them beautiful. We should conserve resources, protect nature, and avoid pollution and waste.