Recently I have become much more passionate about conservation and being sensitive to and aware of environmental issues. I believe as Christians this should be a topic where we are at the forefront of conservation efforts, but sadly that is not the case. For many Christians the term environmentalist conjures up images of the hemp wearing hippy that chains themselves to a tree in protest of one thing or another. This is an image a lot of people do not associate with and therefore see environmentalism as someone else’s cause not their own. Some Christians see environmentalism as just a belief by Darwinist scientists that we are ruining our world and do not feel that is the case at all. Some do not even believe it is possible for us to ruin our world because God would not let that happen. Or finally, and most disturbingly in my opinion, people just do not care, they are wrapped up in their own lives with no regard for the effects which every day actions have upon our planet.
I believe that environmentalism should be a topic that is discussed and promoted within our churches. As a Christian you hear the occasional “we need to be good stewards of our planet,” thrown around, but how much action follows that hollow phrase? How many churches actually have programs which give their parishioners practical applications of that sentiment? I would love to see the idea of responsibility when it comes to taking care of the world God gave us talked bout in sermons, promoted in programs, and accepted by all who believe in God all mighty as the supreme creator of the Universe. I want to see this idea become as much a part of Christian thought and life as “love thy neighbor.”
I think there are some practical ways this can be done. First there can be groups or studies which educate people on the many ways we are wasteful in our everyday lives, like how many disposable non-recyclable items we use, or ways we can conserve water and electricity. We can push the idea of ride sharing and using public transportation where it is available. We can educate people on the devastating effects our wasteful ways have had on natural habitats and why that is a terrible thing, something I think our urbanized society loses perspective on. Even pollution is a topic which needs addressing. I know it’s effects are debatable and there is no consensus on global warming or global cooling or if there is no global climate change at all, but whatever your stance is all the chemicals we are pumping into the air is not a good thing.
These are just a few ideas that I have come up with and I know there are many more out there. I encourage all of you to read blogs and articles in newspapers, magazines and on the internet about this subject. Educate yourself and educate others because if we do not come to a consensus as human beings, believers or not, that we would like this planet to be an enjoyable place to live for centuries to come I see a rather ugly and miserable existence ahead.
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3 comments:
You got it right. People need to educate themselves better on the endless list of issues that this planet is having right now. Most people seem to either not care, or think it's the Government's job to step in and make the change. Yes, it would help if the government stepped in and promoted change, but ultimately it's up to the people to do it. They shouldn't need someone else to step in and tell them to care, because there is only one Earth, and they should be concerned about their children and grandchildren growing up in the environment that we are creating for them.
Okay I will admit that I am a Christian who is not a fan of the environmentalist movement. However, I think you are correct in saying that there is more that we can and SHOULD do as Christians. I will confess that I have started recycling since I have moved to California (a practice that was relatively foreign to me in MO). But, I also think that is important that Christians remain focused on the real reason we are in this world: to be a light in a dark place.
Kristin, I agree that being a light in this dark world is the ultimate reason we are here, but this isn't an either or issue. What I am talking about is just another way we as believers can fulfill that purpose and I am bringing it up because it is part of living out our faith that I see the church neglecting.
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