The question of how the world and human kind has come into existence has been a topic of studies, research, faith, and discussion for a long time. But, perhaps one of the bigger questions is one of what humankind had to do with it. Many people have many different ideas concerning our role in creation. Some of these ideas and beliefs are based upon cultural beliefs, religion, or science. .
The theological documentation of one's religion or faith is a wonderful source for someone. For instance the Bible has many references in Psalms and John to the story of creation that can be found in the book of Genesis. One can interpret the creation story told there in many ways. One of those is that "man" or humankind didn't have a role in the creation. Another is that we as humans had some control but not a lot. We as humans may not have had a lot of control or played a role in creation however we do have a role in the environment. .
For some, humankind may even have control in the environment. If one takes the Bible literally you could say that we have total control of the environment. In both the "Eco-Clerics biblically off-base" and "The Bible made me Do It" this is what they are doing. They cite sections of the Bible that state that the Bible is not concerned with ecology. However, the Bible is concerned with ecology. Our needs as humans are basically the same as any other creation of God's. God is just as concerned with the welfare of the environment as humans. While the Bible does say we should have dominion this is only one translation of the original Hebrew. The other translation is equal to responsibility. Therefore God states that we are to be responsible for the environment no control it.
However, the articles mentioned above are only taking the parts of the Bible that back up this theory literally. Job 39 is a section where God is yelling at Job for thinking he controls the environment.
