Dr. Jonathan Moo: Loving God, Neighbor, and the Natural World
Good Faith
Interpreting dominion as service
Jonathan reframes Genesis 1–2 and Psalm/Hebrews imagery: dominion implies servant-king stewardship modeled by Jesus.
How Can Christians Turn Groans into Growth By Responding to Ecological Grief?
In this episode of the Good Faith Podcast, host Curtis Chang talks with Dr. Jonathan Moo, a decorated professor of both the New Testament and Environmental Studies, about why Christian creation care belongs at the center of discipleship. Drawing from Romans 8, Colossians 1, and Genesis 1–2, Moo connects biblical hope for new creation with practical action on climate change, stewardship, and loving our neighbors by caring for the places they depend on and enjoy. The conversation explores how faith and science can work together, why "dominion" looks like Christ-shaped service, and how small, local projects—from Uganda to Texas—offer tangible models of environmental renewal. Dr. Moo offers us a bigger vision of human flourishing, plus concrete next steps for Christians and churches to live joyfully and faithfully in God's world.
05:04 - How Do Jonathan Moo's Academic and Faith and Love for Creation Intersect?
07:51 - Romans 8 and Lament for Creation
17:38 - Salvation, Resurrection, and the Earth
22:08 - Practical Examples of Creation Care
27:01 - Motivating People To Move From Enjoying Nature To Actively Caring For It
31:24 - How Do We Address Interpretations of "Dominion"?
36:32 - Jesus as Model for Dominion
39:34 - Understanding Barriers Between Evangelicals and Science
47:16 - Engaging with Skeptics and Loved Ones
53:25 - Advice for Skeptics
55:11 - Practical Steps for the Environmentally Concerned
Episode Companion:
Christians and Climate Change Guide 2
Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter
Learn more about George Fox Talks
Register for the Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference
Mentioned In This Episode:
Tools, Websites, and OrganizationsBull Creek Restoration Project
Books and Authors
- Learn more about Aldo Leopold
- Learn more about Alister McGrath
- Learn more about Evelyn Waugh
- Learn more about Wendell Berry
- Debra Rienstra's Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth
Biblical Passages
- Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)
- Romans 8 (ESV)
- Genesis 1 and 2 (ESV)
- Mark 12:30-31 (ESV)
Concepts and Ideas
More From Dr. Jonathan Moo:
- Jonathan & Douglas Moo's Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World (Biblical Theology for Life)
- More about Dr. Moo: Whitworth professor acts as a wilderness guide
- A reminder of Dr. Moo's A.W.A.K.E. acronym
Follow Us:
Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter)
The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.
The AI-powered Podcast Player
