A Vision for All: Bridging Faith and Sustainability

SCRAP’s Mission Through a Spiritual Lens

For those guided by faith, the call to care for creation and love one another is woven into the core of belief. At SCRAP, we see our mission as deeply aligned with these values. Our work to create sustainable, compassionate communities echoes the teachings of many faith traditions that emphasize stewardship, compassion, and the sanctity of life.

Christian Values: Stewardship, Community, and Cooperative Living

In the Christian tradition, the concept of stewardship is central. The Bible teaches that humanity has been entrusted with the care of God’s creation: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Genesis 2:15) At SCRAP, we view our work as a modern extension of this principle, striving to create communities that honor God’s creation by living in harmony with the natural world.

But stewardship is only one aspect. The early followers of Jesus were not just concerned with caring for the Earth—they were also deeply committed to caring for one another. After Jesus’s resurrection, the disciples and other believers formed the first intentional Christian communities, practicing a way of life that was strikingly cooperative, inclusive, and equitable.

As described in the book of Acts:

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:44-45)

This powerful example of mutual care and resource-sharing is echoed again in Acts 4:32:

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32)

The followers of Jesus created communities where no one was left behind, and everyone contributed to the common good. This wasn’t just a practical arrangement—it was a radical expression of their faith and love for one another. At SCRAP, we are inspired by this model as we seek to create communities rooted in cooperation and shared responsibility, where resources are stewarded not for the gain of a few, but for the well-being of all.

Living Out the Spirit of Acts Today

The early Christian communities teach us that living in harmony with others and the environment isn’t just an abstract ideal—it’s a way of life that requires intention, commitment, and faith. By forming intentional communities, they created living testimonies of Jesus’s teachings on love, generosity, and justice.

Today, SCRAP aims to reflect this spirit by building spaces where people can live out these values together. In our community laboratories, we strive to create environments where shared resources, collaborative decision-making, and mutual support aren’t just encouraged—they’re foundational.

By aligning ourselves with the principles of Acts, we want to show that sustainability and faith go hand-in-hand, creating a vision of the world that is abundant, just, and rooted in a deep respect for all of creation.

Interfaith Alignment: A Shared Responsibility

While the early Christian model is a significant source of inspiration, we recognize that the call to protect the environment and support one another is not limited to one faith. Many religious traditions emphasize similar values:

• Buddhism: The principle of interconnectedness teaches that all beings are part of a greater whole. By living sustainably, we honor our shared responsibility to minimize suffering and promote balance.
• Islam: The Qur’an speaks of humanity’s role as khalifah (stewards) of the Earth, responsible for maintaining its balance: “Eat and drink from the provision of Allah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.” (Qur’an 2:60)
• Judaism: The concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) emphasizes our duty to care for the Earth and ensure its health for future generations.
• Hinduism: The idea of Ahimsa (non-violence) extends to nature, encouraging us to live in a way that respects and preserves life.

A Common Ground for Action

No matter your faith, SCRAP’s mission to build compassionate, sustainable communities provides a way to put these shared values into practice. Our approach is one of inclusion and cooperation—open to people of all beliefs who feel called to build a world that reflects the best of humanity.

If you’d like to learn more about how faith and sustainability intersect in our projects, or if you want to get involved with a specific faith-based initiative, please visit our Faith and Community page.

Answering the Call: How You Can Help

Are you looking for ways to turn your spiritual values into action? Whether through volunteering, partnership, or simply spreading the word, there are many ways to support our mission. Join us as we strive to honor the sacredness of creation and build communities that truly reflect the love and care of their people.