Viral Diseases and the Neglected Commandment of Creation Care

Humans are called to rule over creation (Gen. 1:27) but not in an irresponsible way. We should treat creation, as we read in Genesis 2:15, by caring for it. That was the requirement from God for humanity. We can define creation care as nature conservation. However, we should acknowledge that we have been neglecting our role as stewards of creation. There is deforestation, species extinction, pollution, and other human activities that cause suffering not only for plants and animals, but also for people. Mismanagement of nature can cause spillover of disease. In wildlife, agents of disease are common, but they are somehow under control when there are many hosts. Scientists recognize today that pathogens and parasites have a role in the structure of ecosystems. By causing deforestation and removing animals from their natural habitats, we are increasing the possibility of zoonotic diseases that may cause epidemics and pandemics. This article will relate the origin of viral diseases, such as COVID-19, to a failure of proper nature management and provide examples of viral diseases resulting from such mismanagement.