Speeches
Enhancing Discipleship as Conscientious Stewards of the Earth
On Nov. 1, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena for a forum hosted by the university’s Honor Program to hear Dr. George Handley, professor of interdisciplinary studies at Brigham Young University, speak on the importance of being stewards of the earth as disciples of Jesus Christ.
“Our very capacity to walk and move and have life derives from the sun, is found in the carbon in our bodies and in the fruits and vegetables we eat, in our clothing and shelter and in our modes of transportation and heating and cooling,” said Handley. “We could not survive without the sunlight that is miraculously transformed into the oxygen we breathe by the photosynthesis of plants.”
Handley shared that after the development of technology, people’s attitudes towards nature shifted from respect and fear to apathy, with many now not realizing the environmental cost their products and possessions have on the earth.
“The capacity to transform nature, much like our own agency, is neither categorically evil nor good,” said Handley. “We have the means to be more destructive of nature than at any time in the history of the world, but we also have more capacity now to feed the hungry, heal the sick, promote peace, educate and ennoble God’s children, and to protect, conserve, and even restore ecological health.”
Sharing Bishop Gérald Caussé’s 2022 General Conference address and teachings found in the Doctrine and Covenants sections 49, 59, 88, and 104, Handley emphasized how disciples of Christ have a responsibility to be stewards over the earth and one another, and to avoid a wasteful life.
“We are given blessings and opportunities,” said Handley. “Not so that we can relish in our privileges and hoard our blessings, but to maximize our capacity to live and work, to bring the abundant life that Christ showed us how to live to the world.”
“As you come to know and love this world, I can promise you that your problems will recede and your affections will grow,” Handley continued. “You will start to see the world and feel for it as Jesus does. You will start to love it and feel a need to take care of it. This will expand your discipleship and deepen your joys.”
During the event’s Q&A session, Handley shared ideas for reducing waste by examining lifestyle habits and making small daily decisions to help the environment, such as walking, biking, and using public transportation.
“Everyone has to find their gift to give,” Handley said. “If you ask the Lord, ‘What is my gift that I can give to show some reciprocity with the creation, to show my gratitude for the meals, for the clothing, for the shelter, and for the transportation that I enjoy?’ I think you’ll find answers as you move forward.”
Handley has taught at Brigham Young University since 1998. His civic engagement includes serving on the boards of LDS Earth Stewardship and The Nature Conservancy of Utah and currently on the Provo City Council. He is also the author of “The Hope of Nature,” “If Truth Were A Child,” and other books.
The event featured a musical performance of “Irish Tune from County Derry” performed by the Camerata Orchestra and concluded with the traditional singing of “Love One Another.”