Moyers Asks "Is God Green?"
by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg, St. Louis, MO on 10.11.06
Last week, we took note of Bill Moyers and Bill McKibben's live presentation of their ideas on evangelicalism and environmentalism at the New York Public Library. Those of us who couldn't make it to that event will have another chance to hear Moyers discuss the topic with both evangelicals and treehuggers, and well as some who fall into both groups, on his Moyers on America special "Is God Green?" The program airs tonight on PBS (check your local listings), but you can get a four-minute sneak preview at the show's website. Among the guests featured in that snippet are pastor Tri Robinson of Boise, Idaho's Vineyard Christian Fellowship, and Idaho Statesman reporter Rocky Barker. The website also features a "Citizens Class" where you can learn more about the intersection between religion and the environment, and interact with other "classmates."
In conjunction with the airing of the program, our friends at Grist are running a series entitled "God & the Environment." The series features interviews with Moyers, the Rev. Richard Cizik, Rabbi Michael Lerner, and others, and an essay by McKibben. ::Moyers on America -- "Is God Green?"
My wife and I watched this show last night. I thought that the piece was excellent, although at times I felt a little nauseous. [in particular: the use of the bible to promote "free-market" economies? I must have missed that chapter:verse] Though I may not agree wholly with the evangelicals take on religion, I do believe that a change in the way that they live their lives, could lead to that "tipping point" that we are striving to reach. Beyond many of the disputed moral direction in the New Testament, there seems to be a simple underlying theme from Jesus promoting a simple life, with less money, less possessions, and giving thanks to God for what we do have. It seems to be a no-brainer to me that those who advocate sustainability, should be "preaching to the choir" when speaking to Christians.
I find it interesting that we are always able to find evidence in scripture to support our modern day philosphies. We have been reading the new testament for 2000 years without feeling impelled towards environmentalism. Now, it is a hot issue, and all of the sudden, we find scripture to support it. It's ok to be an enviornmentalist. It makes sense. Why do we have to have a scriptural proof text in order for it to be ok for Christians? Do we believe we are unable to use the reason and sense that God gave us to come to these conclusions? Why must we hear something from the pulpit before we will consider it seriously? Why do we not think critically, ask the hard questions and listening for answers?
I'm happy to see anyone hugging trees.
even bible beaters : )
God isn't green or blue or black or pink... God doesn't care! If he did, he wouldn't have let it get this far. I strongly suspect Lucifer is green though, because he's been banished here, and the earth is his only home, so if man ends up destroying it, he's plum out of luck. That's why he's out there making all these green icon goddesses! ;o)
RemyC - very funny.
of course, we will not destroy the Earth - the Earth will continue on fine with or without us. The issue is that some Christian's have been working with Lucifer to make the Earth uninhabitable for all but Lucifer. What a victory that would be for Lucifer.