Reference

Luke 8:15

Dominion Over Creation Stewardship of Creation

“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Counter-Arguments

The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.

Dominion Over Creation

This verse focuses on the internal qualities of individuals who receive and retain "the word," leading to personal spiritual fruitfulness, rather than any external authority or control over the natural world. There is no mention of the earth, living things, or any form of rulership.

Stewardship of Creation

The verse describes the internal reception and retention of a "word" and the subsequent production of "fruit" through "patience," which are all internal and spiritual concepts, not external actions related to managing the physical creation. The "fruit" here refers to spiritual outcomes, not the literal produce of the earth or the care of the environment.