There is enormous debate surrounding the term “dominion” as it is found in Genesis 1:26. For some, this terminology in the structuring of creation has been used as permission to treat the world as their own personal vending machine. Using any and all of the Earth’s resources, as much as they want and in any manner they choose, to generate as much money or convenience as possible with no consideration for the long-term impacts on creation itself or on their fellow humans. They see creation as something they own and “dominion” as a permission slip to mistreat and even destroy if they so wish. Too often, this expectation is exacerbated by a focus on the finite nature of this life, and the promise of heaven, as if this life doesn’t matter. As if our lives, and creation itself, weren’t precious gifts from our Creator.
In actuality, the Hebrew word for dominion, while certainly implying that creation has been provided for our use, also holds an expectation of stewardship. The text is a charge that we are responsible for the stewarding and management of creation, not given a free pass to run roughshod over it. “Dominion” is charging us to engage creation as God’s representatives. To act in ways that embody and support God’s interests and intentions for this world, and mortal lives, rather than our own.
I often think of creation as one of God’s love letters to us (in addition to scripture and the movement of the Holy Spirit). It is something precious, something we should be excited to share with others but also something we should care for and keep safe. By God’s own design, our physical wellbeing is interconnected with the wellbeing of our planet. Perhaps as a reminder, that we are intended to be a part of, and not separated from, God’s good creation.