‘How dare you?’ These are the famous words of a teenage girl to world leaders. Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg, spoke these words almost a year ago and has become renowned in the last couple of years for her actions, as much as her words, in combatting climate change. At the other end of the spectrum are a number of people claiming that climate change is either not as big a deal as it is made out to be, or is not down to human contribution as much as it is claimed.
Environmental concerns have become a hot topic in our time. Rather than simply picking sides, we need to think about how the Bible speaks into these matters. Engaging with environmental issues is crucial and complex, which is why we planned this edition to open up the biblical view of creation care and our place within it.
In light of that, we have a wonderful testimony of how teenager Ella Harding’s perspective changed on environmental issues when she came to know Jesus. Gareth Williams helps us in thinking through our role as carers for creation and Steve Taylor highlights the gifts that we are given by our loving Father in creation. Alongside this, Simon Bowkett writes about the blessing of food and invites us to think biblically about what we eat.
Not ignoring the current crisis, John Lennox ponders the justice of God in the wake of coronavirus. Additionally, Phil Swann spends some time reflecting on the way that church life has changed in this ‘new normal’. If that weren’t enough, there’s plenty more inside to get your teeth into and be warmed in your faith in Jesus.
Before you get going, you may have noticed that I’m not Mark and you might be wondering why. Mark has been a vital part of this magazine for many years and most recently took on the role of editor with such proficiency. He has led the magazine through some significant changes and has helped produce some excellent editions. Having been called to serve with Samaritan’s Purse, he has had to relinquish his role as editor. It has been an absolute delight to have worked with Mark and we pray he knows God’s enabling in this new role.
That leaves me feeling like a toddler tottering around in their parent’s much larger shoes! I was due to be having a sabbatical (though even that has changed due to the pandemic) and so I offered to step in as interim editor for a couple of editions whilst the next editor is chosen. I’m sure I can’t do too much damage in such a short time!