Christianity places a very positive value to the world of nature, which has been created by God as a very `real' environment. The word `natural' and natural environment can in actual fact have very different meanings and historical developments. For example, creation can influence theological thought in fundamental ways. It must be understood that not all Christians place a high value on nature, it is through religious beliefs and teachings that certain ideas are formed. Christianity has always had something to say about our world and how we ought to treat it. God said,

"I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds and all the wild animals." (Good News Bible)

Christian theology is the heart of the reality of the world,

"As far as human beings are concerned there seems to be no such thing as `nature' existing as an untouched world of its own...