Toulmin Argument an Argument for Essay

Total Length: 1192 words ( 4 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 5

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Backing

Many organizations have suggested that humans' actions can significantly reduce environmental problems. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, even small lifestyle changes can significantly impact the environment. Some of the small lifestyle changes that the Fund recommends include saving water, recycling, and turning off electrical equipment when it is not being used ("How You Can Help the Environment"). Because humans cause some of the environmental problems by refusing to take these precautions and because taking precautions like these can help solve environmental problems, Christians have responsibility to act. Bohlin calls that duty sacred, and suggests that Christians are commanded to take care of the "earth and its creatures." Carmical adds to this argument by suggesting that scriptural reference for Christians' responsibility to the environment comes in Genesis. He argues that God gave man "dominion over the earth," which means that while humans' needs are more important than nature's, humans also have a responsibility toward maintaining an earth that will sustain human life, as well as taking care of the resource that God gave humankind.

Qualifier

While scripture does suggest that humans have a responsibility to care for the earth, it does not suggest that humans must sacrifice their rights for nature's, nor does it suggest that humans must begin to worship the earth. Carmical argues that in giving humans dominion over the earth, God acknowledged that human's needs are greater than nature's. According to Carmical, this means that humans can continue to develop technologically, and that this is an important part of human existence.
While the Christian should attempt to act in an environmentally safe way if this is possible, it is not necessary to avoid harming nature in every circumstance. Carmical goes on to argue that environmentalism is important to a Christian, "but not paramount.' What is paramount is living in deference to God, and since God gave humans the earth, it is ultimately humans' decision to do with it what they please. In order to be good stewards and use the gift wisely, however, humans must be environmentally conscious. Thus, Carmical points out that Christian environmentalism neither worships the earth nor elevates it higher than humans. Made in God's image, humans are much more important than nature. Thus, a Christian's environmentalism simply means taking care of the earth to the greatest extent possible.

Rebuttal and Conclusion

While some Christians may argue that environmentalism is not important because it concentrates on this earth and not the one beyond, it is important to note that a Genesis mandates humankind to take care of the gift they have been given. Furthermore, non-Christians can distinguish Christians' characteristics from their actions. Acting in an environmentally friendly way will show non-Christians that Christians care about making the world a better place for everyone. Thus, because environmental problems have come to an unprecedented height, humans can solve these problems, and Christians are called upon to take care of the earth, one can conclude that Christians should become more involved in environmentally friendly behaviors.

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"Toulmin Argument An Argument For" (2008, October 29) Retrieved May 22, 2025, from
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"Toulmin Argument An Argument For" 29 October 2008. Web.22 May. 2025. <
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"Toulmin Argument An Argument For", 29 October 2008, Accessed.22 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/toulmin-argument-argument-27201