Dr. Jonathan Moo: Loving God, Neighbor, and the Natural World

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

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Mentioned In This Episode:

Tools, Websites, and Organizations

A Rocha USA

Bull Creek Restoration Project

Climate Stewards USA

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

• Carbon Calculator (use for offsets)
• Bio Sand Filters
• No Till Agriculture
• Mulching and Crop Rotation

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

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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.