Cultural Mandate

The Cultural Mandate refers to the divine command given to humanity to fill the earth and subdue it, as found in Genesis 1:28. This passage states, "And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'" This mandate encompasses the responsibility of humanity to cultivate, develop, and steward the creation that God has made, reflecting His character and authority in the world.The Cultural Mandate is often interpreted as a call for humans to engage in various cultural activities, including agriculture, art, science, and governance, thereby transforming the earth in a way that honors God. It lays the foundation for a theology of work and creation care, emphasizing that human labor is not merely a means of survival but a vital part of fulfilling God's purpose. In essence, it invites people to partner with God in bringing order, beauty, and justice to the world, ultimately pointing towards the restoration of creation as seen in the eschatological hope of Revelation 21:1-4, where God will make all things new.