World Environmental Day, the Creation Mandate & Christian Care for Nature

In this episode of Radio Cape Pulpit, recorded on World Environmental Day, Dr. Peter Hammond calls on Christians to take seriously their God-given responsibility to care for creation. Drawing from Scripture (Jeremiah 12:4, Psalm 50:10, Matthew 6:26, Proverbs 12:10, and Genesis 1), he explains the Creation Mandate and Dominion Mandate. He highlights Cape Town’s unique natural blessings—whales, seals, dolphins, penguins, beaches, and mountains—and praises the city’s historic volunteer-led wildlife rescue of African penguins during the 2000 oil spill. Dr. Hammond urges listeners to plant more trees, reforest the Cape, avoid deforestation, reduce plastic use, participate in beach cleanups, recycle more diligently (including learning from European models like Switzerland and Germany), and provide food and water for birds and wildlife in their gardens. He encourages youth groups, Sunday schools, and congregations to take practical action. The episode ends with a reminder that caring for the environment is part of Christian discipleship