The Bible and Climate Change with Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano

In this episode of Climate Changed, host Ben Yosua-Davis is joined by guest host Derrick Weston to explore how the Bible can inform climate action. Featuring conversations with Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano, they discuss how scripture and faith-based teachings can guide Christians toward a hopeful and proactive response to the climate crisis.

See full show notes, transcript, and more by visiting www.climatechangedpodcast.org

 

Grounding: 

The episode opens with a grounding exercise led by Beverly Ward, Field Secretary for Earthcare for Southeastern Yearly Meeting. Beverly invites listeners to recall their earliest, most joyful memories in nature, emphasizing how these experiences can inspire a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and care for creation.

Main Conversation:

Host Ben Yosua-Davis and guest host Derrick Weston listen to Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano engage in a thoughtful discussion on how the Bible and Christian faith can be foundational to climate action. Rev. Meyaard-Schaap, Executive Director of the Association for a More Just Society–US, shares insights from his recent book, Following Jesus in a Warming World, which explores how climate advocacy expresses Christian discipleship. Peterson Toscano, is a Bible scholar and in addition to producing the Climate Changed podcast, he works on other podcasts including Citizens Climate Radio, Quakers Today, and Bubble and Squeak.  A climate-focused performance artist, in this episode he shares his personal “climate life verse” and reflects on how Biblical teachings have shaped his environmental work. Together, they explore the role of scripture in guiding and inspiring practical steps toward environmental responsibility and justice.

Next Steps: 

• Reflect on a Climate Life Verse: Identify a Bible verse or story that grounds you in creation care, and share it with a friend or on social media.
• Engage in Lectio Terra: Take 20–40 minutes practicing Lectio Terra, a meditative exercise inspired by Lectio Divina that encourages connection with scripture, God, and the land.
• Organize a Climate Sunday: Host a Climate Sunday service at your church featuring climate-centered sermons and calls to climate action.
• Join Seasonal Climate Actions: Participate in programs like the Lent Carbon Fast with friends to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Shorten Your Food Chain: Support local agriculture by growing your own food or connecting with nearby farmers, reducing the distance your food travels. Discover more resources at Creation Justice Ministries.

Additional Resources:

• Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World — explore how scripture calls us to care for creation.
• Young Evangelicals for Climate Action — a network supporting young Christians in climate advocacy.
• The Green Lectionary Podcast, hosted by Derrick Weston
• What Does the Bible Say about Climate Change, Episode 30 of Citizens Climate Radio

Meet Guest(s): 

• Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap: Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap is the Executive Director of the Association for a More Just Society–US. An ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church in North America, Kyle holds a B.A. in religious studies from Calvin University and an M.Div. from Western Theological Seminary. For over a decade, he has mobilized Christians worldwide to engage with climate action as an act of discipleship. His recent book, Following Jesus in a Warming World, has garnered national and international attention, with features in PBS, NPR, CNN, and The New York Times. Kyle lives with his wife and two sons in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• Peterson Toscano: Peterson Toscano is a performance artist and activist known for his creative approaches to climate advocacy. As a podcast host of Citizens Climate Radio, Quakers Today, and Bubble and Squeak, Peterson uses storytelling to inspire action on climate change, social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues. His work encourages listeners to view climate change as an invitation to imagine and build a more hopeful, just world.

• Beverly Ward: Beverly Ward serves as Field Secretary for Earthcare at Southeastern Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and co-clerk of Quaker Earthcare Witness. Beverly assists local meetings with environmental stewardship projects and connects them to broader Quaker initiatives. She collaborates with the Quaker United Nations Office, represents the Florida Council of Churches, and teaches anthropology at the University of South Florida.

• Derrick Weston: Derrick Weston is a writer, filmmaker, podcaster, and educator who focuses on the intersection of food, faith, and social justice. He co-hosts the Food and Faith podcast and created the film series A Wilderness Like Eden, which highlights food justice work within church communities. Derrick holds degrees in film studies and divinity and a health ministry certification. His recent book, The Just Kitchen, encourages sustainable and connected approaches to cooking and community. Derrick lives near Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife and four children.