Dominion

Recently, in the Catholic Lectionary for the daily Scripture readings for Mass, we began reading in Genesis. So much could be written about these first few chapters – from creation and intelligent desing (especially as opposed to atheistic evolution), to the dignity of human beings, to the Fall and disgrace of sin. We could discuss the nature of humanity itself – the differences between male and female, and the complementarity of the sexes. We could discuss the whole idea of evolution as the means that God our Creator used to bring about the life we see around us. In this latest reading, however, what struck me is the idea of “dominion”. Twice, the author writes that the Creator gave man dominion over the fish, birds and beasts. First, is a statement of God’s intent, but the second time an extension of God’s blessing. How are we to understand this? After all, in our modern ears, dominion is a bad thing. It seems to be to rule it, to use and discard according to one’s own desires and wishes. It is viewed as an unchecked industrialization and capitalist endeavor. Its extreme opposite is one that leads to seeking to eliminate humanity and a rejection of any authority over creation. We would not leave a single mark on the world. Dominion is in between – it means leaving the world better, both by the wise use of resources and trying to limit waste. We should seek to protect the earth. The root of “Dominion” means to ‘lord’. It implies that to have dominion is a participation in the very action of God in subduing, protecting, and guiding. Dominion does not allow wanton destruction, but rather creativity. It is a form of stewardship, which is to take care of the things that we have been given by the Creator, and to pass them on to our youth. To have dominion is to use wisely. Why might this notion be important? First, it is God’s will that we as human we participate in His continuing creative action. After all, while we hear of how He rested on the seventh day, He did not cease to guide and create. So we are given dominion to aid. We build roads, create technology, grow our food just as examples, to have dominion and subdue. But the other reason is that to participate in the dominion is an acceptance of God’s blessing. If it is God’s will, and His blessing, it is then a sacred duty. It is one that we cannot neglect. Perhaps with this idea, we can seek better ways of environmentalism and green deals.