Environmental Stewardship

From the Desk of Dr. Joshua Puzey, Board Member and Associate Professor of Biology

The natural world is undeniably in crisis—climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss impact all of nature. This semester, I’ve had the privilege of hosting a weekly discussion group titled Environmental Stewardship and the Church, which has been a highlight of my semester. Every week, I engage with students from various disciplines to discuss the scientific, historical, philosophical, and theological foundations of our ecological challenges. These conversations have been both intellectually stimulating and life-giving, as students earnestly explore how the teachings of Jesus should transform not only our relationships with each other but also with the natural world.

As a church, we have often lacked an integrated theological framework to respond meaningfully to our environmental crisis. Too often, nature is seen as an afterthought, rather than a central part of our calling to steward God’s world. In this discussion group, we delve into how our present perspectives emerged. Through readings from secular writers, Christian thinkers like Francis Schaeffer, and storytellers like Tolkien, we are piecing together an understanding of how we arrived at this place and how we might move forward with care.

The warm hospitality of Cambridge House has been essential to these discussions. As a professor, I often find myself rushing from one class or meeting to the next. Stepping into Cambridge House, however, immediately changes the pace. A hot lunch, espresso, and fresh cookies welcome me and the students, setting the stage for relaxed and meaningful conversations. This welcoming space has fostered a community eager to pursue both truth and action in caring for the gift of nature entrusted to us.