Are We Changing Planet Earth?
26 May 2006
I’m increasingly convinced that one area of life christians, and the church should be engaging in for transformation, is the issue of Global Warming. Christians in the future will look back, and ask, ‘what did the church do, in the face of the damage done to God’s creation?”
I caught most of the wednesday night programme by the BBC, with David Attenborough giving a personal introduction to climate change. It begins a two week series of programmes, with online resources exploring climate change.
Tagged: Climate-Change, Global-Warming, Key-Posts
28 comments
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Comment by brett jordan
9.13 am on 26 May 2006
I do have a deep problem with all this climate change stuff… it seems to me that both ’sides’ are so polarised, and the ‘available data’ is so open to different interpretations… i’m all for using the world’s resources wisely, etc, however I can’t help wondering if we might look back in 10 years time and wonder what all the fuss was about.
Comment by Stephen
9.33 am on 26 May 2006
You might be interested in this podcast I same across a while back. Climate change and environmentalism as “conversion” experiences.
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/evangelicalevolution/index.shtml
Comment by The Krow
1.02 pm on 26 May 2006
This is an important topic. Not only does it affect us, but also our children, and many generations into the future. YOur question is pointed strongly. It is time the church rose up and took care of God’s creation which he has placed in our care instead of destroying it. I encountered concepts of religious environmental involvment three years ago in a university course I took on the topic and was amazed to see there are faith communities taking part in environmental causes. More so as indvidual Christians we should be doing more in our own lives to help halt the process of damaging the earth; as faith communities we should be far more vocal about this problem… preach it from the pulpits, run workshops, write articles in magazines… we need to be more aware as Christians of our environment and how we are contributing factors to the death of it.
God created on earth for us, he put it n our care to be stewards of it.. not to have dominion over it and abuse it.
Comment by Matt
2.43 pm on 26 May 2006
The deeper problem is that has taken some kind of (real or unreal) impending disaster for us to consider stewardship. In the end, we take up extreme measures for what (verifiably or not) might not have been such a problem if we had been living in holistic responsibility to God.
Comment by GMD
4.26 pm on 26 May 2006
Bret, as Crow kind of suggests it’s more than just 10 years, what about all the future generations? Certainly in all the years I’ve been Christian I can’t remember hearing anyone preach/talk on issues of planetary conservation or the like.
One problem is that there is an assumption that Jesus will return again in an hour, tomorrow, next month, soon etc and sort it all out so why bother blah blah , ok he might but no one knows so why assume that he will?
Comment by dh
5.31 pm on 26 May 2006
“no one knows so why assume that he will?” Because God in His word SAYS He will return “as a thief in the night.” This hour, month, etc. doesn’t degrate our responsibility to the environment due to the obedience to God rather than “the point” if you get my drift.
Comment by dh
5.34 pm on 26 May 2006
To call this ““conversion†experiences” seems a stetch when the bible says “without Faith it is impossible to please God.”
Comment by GMD
6.03 pm on 26 May 2006
dh You have misquoted me or twisted what I said. Re-look at what I wrote in context please. Why must we make assumptions either way? I wasn’t, and clearly stated that he ‘might’ return in one of the stated time periods but then he might not. And if that ‘might not’ is another 1000 years what kind of planet will be left for those living then?
Comment by Jason
7.20 pm on 26 May 2006
DH: I think you haven’t listened to the podcast. For many christians to see caring for the enviornment, God’s creation as a fundamental part of the gospel and mission of God, would be a conversion experience, as in to convert from a view that was opposite.
In all these posts no on is suggesting we don;t need Jesus, that accpeting Christ is vital, that jesus will come back…all these posts are made within the bounds of orthodoxy.
I think it would help conversation if you saw the posts and comments in that light, and not as something that needs defending against, as if we are losing our beliefs in Jesus.
Sorry if that sounds harsh, it’s not meant to be, we value greatly having you hear. I just think we talk too often cross purposes, and want to keep on the topic, and not revert to seeing posts as something that are against christian beliefs.
Comment by Jason
7.21 pm on 26 May 2006
Stephen: thanks for that link BTW!
Comment by dh
7.51 pm on 26 May 2006
I appreciate the correction and I understand now. I will say that many believe modern, Evangelical don’t value the environment or place no responsibility and I think those type of overgeneralizations seem too harsh in light of God’s Word which says we must be good sterwards of the environment. I will say that being good stewards by way of obedience is the point of the responsibility rather than as implied an inclusion with the Gospel which I feel is adding to andis incorrect understanding of the Gospel.
Comment by Stephen
11.08 pm on 26 May 2006
Also of interest might be,
Ball, Jim. “The Use of Ecology in the Evangelical Protestant Response to the Ecological Crisis.” Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith 50, no. 1 (1998): 32-40.
You can find it here:
http://www.asa3.org/ASA/PSCF/1998/PSCF3-98Ball.html
Also Sojourners had an entire issue relating to the environment a few years back. For example see:
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj0403&article=040320
Comment by The Krow
12.36 am on 27 May 2006
Awesome links Stephen… I agree with Jason the issue is not against Christian beliefs, or the idea of conversion etc… more so I see it as our duty as Christians; a duty to protect what God has trusted us with.
I believe more Christians should speak up about the environmental disasters we have caused, as well most social issues. But sadly the church remains silent. I’m sure there are some that are doing good for environment, I state as a generalization that we as the church don’t answer to the problems of environmental nature. Again I do believe it is our duty to protect and make others aware of these disasters at large caused by all of us.
Comment by Steve Reynolds
5.12 am on 27 May 2006
Mt. St. Helens eruption spewed out minimally five times more carbon dioxide than all the Co2 that we as humans have ever produced. And this is based on the worst case scenario. More likely it was twenty times more. Seems to me that we need to stop blaming ourselves for global warming and start blaming God. Or maybe we should just focus on developing better technology and stop trying to blame all Americans for just being alive.
How many believe that the sins of a nation are related to the environmen? How many believe that if we would stop killing our babies (to tune of nearly 100.000 a yar in America) that the environment might improve?
Comment by brett jordan
9.31 am on 27 May 2006
Hi Steve… yep, the St Helens stuff is what I’m talking about… I’m not saying we should be cavalier in our usage of the planet’s resources, I’m all for research into ‘clean’ energy resources, electric cars, etc… I’m just saying that I find the evidence given for various ‘green’ projects contradictory, confusing and (often) extremely biased.
Comment by The Krow
3.07 pm on 27 May 2006
There is no doubt that batural disasters can cause as many problems if not than human causes, however that does not give us the right to ignore what we do cause. Given the idea that current western lifestyle would continue on as it is the earth can not possibly be sustainable and continue to produce the resources that we need to survive. FOr a basic idea check out how large your eco footprint (http://www.earthday.net/Footprint/index.asp)
is. Mine is 28% of the average north american… now I don’t say this to brag or gloat about how hippie and environmental friendly I am compared to others… I state this to point out that even in my current lifestyle our single planet could not sustain the needed resources if everyone lived at this level.
Pulling religion back into this…we are not honoring God’s creation when we use far more than we need, and then throw out far more then is neccessary. It’s damaging to the beauty GOd provided to us. THus were not being good stewards of this precious gift.
Comment by Jason
3.52 pm on 27 May 2006
Krow: Thanks for the link. I took the online test, and came out above average for the UK, for one main reason, flying.
Like you, if someone tells me we produce less CO2 than the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs, it’s specious argument, and a smokescreen for dealing with examining what we use and the damage it causes.
Comment by Diana
9.15 pm on 27 May 2006
Hi all,
Jason don’t dispair – some of His followers are doing their bit for the planet. Many of my friends are environmental professionals who see their work as an outworking of their faith.
I too am an Environmental Scientist, spent 20 years in nature conservation and now help people find consensus and agreement over the management of the natural environment. This choice of study and career has always been an expression of my faith. I am just one of many Christians who combine faith,science and skills to try to make the world a better place. For myself, what ever the future holds in terms of Jesus’ return I want to do my small bit to keep it as good as possible for as long as possible. Sometimes I feel worn out with trying – but when ever He returns, I want to have helped to hand over a world that is beautiful, rich in diverse life,with clean water, clean skys and healthy land. Gods Kindom has got to mean shalom for creation too.
Thought it does break my heart at how indifferent the church establishment (of all main denominations) seems to be to this issue given that creation is crying out ‘for the sons (and daughters) of God to be revealed’. And I think those cries are getting louder and louder.
For info on websites on christians who care about the environment check out
http://www.christian-ecology.org.uk/
http://www.jri.org.uk/
http://www.ecen.org/ecenhome.shtml
http://en.arocha.org/home/
Comment by Stephen
11.23 pm on 27 May 2006
And you can add these voices too.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3627311a11,00.html
Comment by Edward Pillar
12.11 am on 28 May 2006
hi – has anyone seen(in the States ‘cos it’s not released in the UK yet) Al Gore’s (latest!) – AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH. it appears to address precisely the issue under discussion here – Climate Change.
Comment by The Krow
6.40 am on 28 May 2006
Great links… Diane welcome ot the discussion… I’d love ot hear more about a your perspecitves of how faith and environementalism go hand in hand.
I just got back froma great worship event lead in which one of hte song leaders was Chris Tomlin.. amazing time but what struck me was his song Indscribable….
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation’s revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Comment by Phil Smith
9.11 pm on 28 May 2006
Hey matey, I also watched the thing on Climate Chaos and am also doing a bit of research into ethical living as I’m feeling a bit convicted (on theological grounds) about my ‘carbon footprint’ and the effect of my spending on the rest of the world.
Thus far I’ve made some piddly little changes; myself and my fiance try to buy local and are always extremely reluctant to buy fruit and veg (which we consume masses of) from outside of Europe (their are a few fair trade exceptions to this rule!).
I’ve also switched bank to one which has an environmental policy and try and use my car less.
The Evangelical Alliance had an interesting article in their latest magazine; they surveyed i think one hundred churches and none of them had power supplied by an eco-supplier. Seems the environment is way behind gay-marraige and Jerry Springer on the churches to-do list!
Comment by Jason
11.08 pm on 28 May 2006
Hi Phil, are church is carrying out and environmental impact review, there is so much we can easily do. Great to hear from you. Jason.
Comment by GMD
7.20 am on 29 May 2006
Re carbon footprint: I was suprised that even though we don’t have a car, walk most places or use the bus (mainy walk), have a modest apartment etc. But we still consume 2.5 times the earth. I know maybe we fly a bit because of location but even so!
It’s quite shocking, my wife is always moaning to turn the light off when not needed, she now not worry – I won’t be turning it on!
Comment by Diana
9.12 am on 29 May 2006
Krow, I would really like to say more about how my faith and environmentalism go hand in hand – though in truth I did much of my thinking about this at uni and now it is just integrated in my thinking and quite hard to articulate. But I will give it some thought -and get back to you if I can (not much time at the moment – lots of work on and in my limited spare time I’m helping my community fight off a massive development on the edge of our village in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
The work I do now, I see as an even better out working of faith than being a straight ecologist.
I design and facilitate conflict management/cosensus building and knowledge sharing between people with different agendas so that they can find what they agree about and cooperate to better manage an area of land or sea, or an environmental issue. The process is called Stakeholder Dialogue and it has its roots in Mennonite Peacemaking theology and practice. I see what I am doing as a very practical way of helping people live more at peace with each other and the natural world. I’ve work at all levels from very local to national and then my most scary bit of work was in the Middle East helping heads of Environment from 7 countries that boarder the Red Sea agree strategies for its better management (though Israel wasn’t part of the mix it was still pretty volatile at times!)
If anyone is interested in this approach you can check out my site http://www.dialoguematters.co.uk.
But enough of that – I really came back to this to pass on the following url to help those reading it to help their churches do something practical: Check out
http://www.christian-ecology.org.uk/env-audit.pdf
Must dash now – off to lead a guided orchid walk to raise money for the village campaign (if the weather allows me – looks like torrential rain out there – sometimes I wish God answered weather prayers!)
Comment by jason coker
1.30 pm on 29 May 2006
perhaps some of you already know, but on this side of the pond the vineyard church in boise idaho is taking a strong stand on environmental issues. they’ve been engaging in environmental stewardship projects for a few years, their senior pastor is writing a short book on the subject due to be released later this year, and they’ve recently been the subject of a pbs documentary highlighting the growing number of evangelical churches embracing environmental issues. they’ll be hosting a national evangelical conference on the subject this summer.
you can check out their information here: letstendthegarden.org
Comment by Timothy Wright
8.49 pm on 29 May 2006
Hi,
I can get easily discouraged when I head on a BBC Radio 4 show that China is opening a new coal powered electrical plant every week and will so for the next few years. We recycle everything we can and cycle but what is our impact when China is doing this.
Tim
Comment by Steve Reynolds
12.24 am on 30 May 2006
Tim,
Right, which is why Kyoto was such a scam.
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