I Also Am a Steward

Next Sunday, April 22nd, is Earth Day (and also the 16th birthday of our oldest, Nathan). So I want to do a few posts about the environment, from the perspective of a Christian thinker (uh, that'd be me).

But before that, let me start the week with a quote written by another Christian thinker, J.R.R. Tolkien. In The Return of The King, the wizard Gandalf is talking with Denethor, Steward of Gondor, who is despairing in the face of overwhelming odds arrayed against all that he has loved. (Shortly after this dialogue, Denethor takes his own life.)

I take Gandalf's words here to reflect Tolkien's understanding of what every individual is called to--by God--with respect to our care of creation. It certainly expresses my understanding well. Gandalf said...

...the rule of no realm is mine, neither of Gondor nor any other, great or small. But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, these are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail of my task, though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I also am a steward.