The Bible, while not explicitly addressing the act of littering, offers numerous principles and teachings that provide guidance on our responsibility towards the environment and our fellow human beings. These principles, when applied to the issue of littering, demonstrate a clear moral imperative to treat our surroundings with respect and avoid actions that harm or disrespect them.
The Creation Mandate and Stewardship
The Bible begins with the creation story, where God gives humans dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28). This "dominion" is not a license to exploit and abuse but a mandate to care for and manage God's creation responsibly. This responsibility extends to all of creation, including the natural environment. Littering contradicts this stewardship by contributing to pollution and the degradation of the environment.
Respect for God's Creation
The Bible often describes God's creation as beautiful and awe-inspiring. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." This appreciation for God's creation should lead us to treat it with reverence and respect. Littering, by its very nature, disrespects God's creation and undermines its beauty and value.
The Golden Rule and Neighborly Love
One of the most fundamental teachings of Jesus is the Golden Rule: "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Luke 6:31). This principle applies to all aspects of our lives, including our interactions with the environment. When we litter, we are imposing a burden on others, such as sanitation workers, wildlife, or those who simply enjoy a clean environment. Littering goes against the Golden Rule by imposing a negative impact on our fellow human beings.
Love for Our Neighbors
The Bible commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). This love extends to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. Littering can negatively impact the health and well-being of others, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged. For example, littering can contribute to the spread of disease, create fire hazards, and make public spaces less safe and enjoyable. Littering contradicts the biblical command to love our neighbors by harming their well-being.
The Importance of Cleanliness
The Bible emphasizes the importance of cleanliness in both physical and spiritual contexts. Proverbs 13:4 states, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is richly supplied." This principle can be applied to our physical environment. A clean and well-maintained environment reflects diligence and care, while a littered environment signifies negligence and disrespect.
The Moral Obligation to Keep Things Clean
Scripture also includes instructions on personal hygiene and maintaining a clean home. For example, Leviticus 11:28 describes the importance of washing hands after touching unclean animals. While these passages may seem specific, they demonstrate a broader principle of cleanliness and responsibility for our surroundings. The Bible encourages us to maintain a clean and healthy environment, which includes avoiding actions like littering that contribute to pollution and dirtiness.
Conclusion: Littering and the Biblical Perspective
The Bible, through its teachings on creation stewardship, the Golden Rule, love for neighbors, and the importance of cleanliness, provides a strong moral framework for addressing issues like littering. While the Bible may not explicitly address littering, its overarching principles clearly indicate that it is a morally reprehensible act. Littering disrespects God's creation, harms others, and demonstrates a lack of care for our shared environment. Therefore, the biblical perspective on littering emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, respect for others, and responsible stewardship of the Earth.
