Okay, so this is a slight deviation from ‘recycling’ but I think it is very much a part of my philosophy of earth care and absolutely is part of my theology.
In many minds, I am a controversial person because I am a hunter. However, I believe it would be a mistake if I did not discuss this part of my life in a course on Creation and earth care. This is part of who I am as a future pastor, father, husband, neighbor, and brother in Christ.
I have struggled occasionally with this seemingly large conflict between two of my passions. That was until I read an article titled on hunting by a pastor a few years ago. This pastor archery hunts for whitetail deer. His article encompassed a conversation with his mother after she questioned how he, as a pastor, could hunt. What I remember from his list of reasons:
- Hunting affords time alone
- Hunting allows time outdoors.
- Hunting affords challenging adventures.
- Hunting allows time for recreation with family and friends.
- Hunting makes one a better steward of the land.
- Hunting provides healthy food.
Martin Luther said the gospel is preached to all creatures. When I think of preaching I do not limit it to speaking or writing. Instead, ‘what we do’ can be the best preaching, such as being a good steward of the land– providing sound wildlife management and improving the quality of natural resources. That is a major part of the reason that hunting is part of my life. We know what can happen with overpopulation of a species. We also know what happens if we have no controls over the harvest levels. But land stewardship goes well beyond hunting. Our time afield caring for God’s creation can come in the form of planting trees, maintaining grasslands, or restoring wetlands.
This pastor’s feelings about hunting are complex, much like mine. While we thoroughly enjoy the preparation, practice, and study of our hobby, we both feel a tinge of sadness when we take an animal’s life.
. The more I learn about nature and all of God’s creatures, the more I feel I understand about creation and my part in this world. If we truly believe that we are called to serve the Lord, then I feel comfortable saying that I also believe that I am called to serve within the bounds of my hobbies as well. Hopefully I can someday share the land that I care for with many others in my ministry.
April 24, 2010 at 11:20 pm |
I’m glad you wrote about hunting, and hope that you will continue to find ways to share your experiences. I’ve heard many stories from pastors who used hunting as a way to be in relationship with men in their congregations who otherwise were pretty disconnected from church. I think there is a deep spirituality that can grow out of the recognition of how connected we are to our food supply, and hunting as part of that, and hunting as care for creation, is powerful.