More On The Evangelical Climate Initiative
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 04.28.06
From the Evangelical Climate Initiative website, we'd like to share this brief excerpt: "As Christians there are three basic steps required for us to help solve the global warming crisis. Pray - seek guidance and encouragement from the Lord. Study - learn more about the problem of global warming and how it relates to your commitment to Jesus Christ and his commands to love our neighbors, care for "the least of these," and be proper stewards of His creation. (As a starting point read our Statement and see our Resources page.) Act - as individuals, family members, church members, and citizens, take steps to reduce global warming pollution". We note use of the word "crisis." The world arguably is consumed with many emergencies, large and small, short- and long-term. Climate change is all of these; and beyond that, continuous. So, perhaps "crisis" is the right term. At any rate, do check out the proposed action list at the site. via Earthwatch Radio
Earthwatch included this nice quote in a recent distribution on the same topic.
"...Scientists may look at religion as not being powerful, but it really is. And religious people may look at science as not being powerful, but it is really powerful. So when the two come together and pull in the same direction toward sustainability of the Earth -- sustainability of the whole of creation -- then hope is rekindled.
That's Wisconsin ecologist Cal DeWitt".
Just gotta convince them that global warming will heat the sky too, so all those angels floating up there with the big bearded guy will start to sweat along with us. That'll get them moving ;)
(as you can guess, I'm not religious ;) )
Yes, many Christians interpret the Bible in a way that is convenient to their lifestyles and agenda, saying that it is God’s will that man exploit nature for his proper ends. But the Bible teaches that humans are stewards of the Earth, therefore responsible for managing the planet's resources. Before scrutinzing Christianity too much, don't forget that Jesus spoke of giving up worldly possessions (less consumption, hey!) to follow him.
"Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people's suffering. On these lines every religion had more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal." The Dalai Lama
Still the religious right continues to vote for conservatives who have an easier job convicing them that "boys kissing" is a much bigger problem. These same conservatives tend to weaken environmental laws because they "hurt business".
What do you think most religious leaders will do, speak for the earth or will they worry more about gays, abortion etc. Too bad with our politics in the US that the party that cares about the latter doesn't care so much about the former.
yeah, i'm a Christian. i know little about environmental issues nor politics. The latter is the reason why i read this site often.
maybe something that will bring y'all hope is that i go to one of the most conservative Christian schools in America and there is a large movement in the areas of art, caring for the environment, and social justice. There is less of a emphasis on "boys kissing" and more on love. Which translates to a number of different things.
so yeah, we're moving back to our Biblical roots of caring about the good stuff, and not being assholes that go on crusades about rediculous things.
=== authors response follows ====
Thank you Eric. TreeHugger welcomes all view points, and especially wants to encourage the constructive ones.
Before you discount all Christians please be open minded. I am Crunchy and I am a Christian. God calls us to be stewards of the Earth. Many Christians are now relizing this. But God also asks us to respect human life as a part of the earth. This is why abortion is an important issue. How can we teach our Children to value our awesome earth if we don't value all life.
Morgan, are you a vegan/vegetarian?
Eric,
It's good to hear from a sane Christian for a change! I've started staying away from churches because of the loud/obnoxious folks like my regional-neighbor Jerry Fallwell, and a particular family member who agrees with him. I think I could share a pew with you, and I'll probably give Christianity another look when the self-appointed spokesmen for Christianity and/or my family-member back to the Biblical roots of caring about the good stuff.
Hi...I tried to send this page to my bro..but MSN tells him..."it's unsafe"...what gives? How can I pass his info along???? love and peace...lynnann
=== author's response ====
I'd suggest he might try a different browzer. Or if he's of a mind to try he could set the security on the one he likes to "max".
anonymous dude who posted before me-
a good quote i heard once that has been helpful for me is "Don't let church obscure your view of God." I don't know much about Falwell, but he's an associate of Robertson. I recently signed a petition asking Robertson to retire. He's said flipping ridiculous things and i would rather those considered the spokes people of Christianity to advocate things that Christ advocated. "Love God, love others." This doesn't mean i want him to support homosexuality, but to treat the people who believe differently than him with the dignity and respect that any human being should be granted.
anyways, these small comment boxes make me feel like i am rambling. Here is a link to a wonderful article written in an online journal based in Portland. I feel all fellow Treehuggers will dig at least the latter part of this article. http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/social/2006/02/10_ways_to_be_a_doer_of_justic.php . That, friends, is where the church is heading.
but yeah man, don't let Jerry Falwell decide if you seek God. If you want to talk more my email is redemptionisgood@hotmail.com . thanks for the encouragement man.
-Eric
Amen Eric!
I have not looked at the article that you reccomended, but think you should check out the book Organic church by Neil Cole or Velvet Elvis By Rob Bell. It is all about being a true disciple of Christ not just a judgemental pew warmer.
I am not a vegan. Altough I have considered it. I know where you are going with that though, and I do only eat local free range meat and dairy that I know was treated humanely. Unfortunately, becuase we are sinners blood has been shed. I do not consider animals as our equals. Genesis 1:19,20 Genesis 9. And again in the new testament (The book of Acts)the Holy Spirit was given to man not animals. I leave you with this:
"What is man that you are mindful of him?
You made him a little lower than the angels;
you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet." Hebrews 2:6,7,8
God made us in His image and gave everything to us.
I've spent my entire career (28 years so far) working in a conservative evangelical denomination. That brings certain stereotypes to your mind. But lots of us resent Jerry Falwell and company for claiming to represent us, and for advocating a political agenda for "Christians everywhere" that many of us disagree with.
While I normally vote Republican, I'm very concerned about global warming, and for the most part, I consider George Bush a disastrous president.
So don't be blinded by the visible Christian spokespersons. They don't repesent nearly as many people as they (and the media, unfortunately) think.
I work for a nationally broadcast news program based out of Minnesota Public Radio called Speaking of Faith. And, we recently produced an hour with Richard Cizik of the National Association of Evangelicals, who completely astounded me with his frankness and turn of thinking about global warming, Darfur, and poverty.
Here's one quote from Cizik: "The gospel has priority over our politics, and, at times, that means that to be biblically consistent, you have to be politically inconsistent. And you can't simply become a wholly owned subsidiary of the GOP. You can't do that and be faithful."
If anybody can make things move in D.C., it's an evangelical with some clout and an agenda to change things. If people want to take themselves seriously, they have to listen to others seriously. Although I'm a non-believer, some of the richest narratives and most profound stories I've heard have come from religious voices. I can dig that.