Commentary; Posted: 5/3/06
Caring for our planet
Rev. John C. Blackford,
Religion Columnist
In the northern hemisphere, spring is here and summer is just ahead. As we get outdoors, we think about our environment and the care of it.
There is a growing concern about the threats of global warming, pollution, water and food shortages and rapid population growth.
Recently, there was a full-page ad in the newspaper by ExxonMobil that the global demand for energy will increase 50 percent in the next 25 years, and that the rising demand will be accompanied by a demand for less environmental impact-a monumental challenge.
The questions arises, how much should the Christian churches and their people become involved in the care of the Earth?
The Christian world-view is that God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1). Further, in chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis, humankind is given the responsibility of living in and caring for a perfect creation.
Genesis 3 records the sin of humanity that brought the marring of creation, and the accompanying problems that have plagued us ever since.
Those of other faiths and non-religious people are concerned about the environment, as well, and so we share a common interest.
Among evangelicals and their leaders, there has been reluctance to become involved in global warming and other environmental issues.
Because scientists disagree on the subject, some have bemoaned what they see as an emphasis ěthat seems to put plants and animals above human beings.î
However, in February, 86 national evangelical leaders, including mega church pastors, college presidents and humanitarian-agency leaders, called for immediate attention by our Congress to address human-induced climate change which could raise sea levels, intensify heat waves, droughts and hurricanes, decrease agricultural production and increase tropical diseases.
ěThis is Godís world,î their statement said, ěand any damage that we do in Godís world is an offense against God himself.î
Among those signing this declaration were the senior pastor of Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie and the president of Bethel University in Arden Hills.
A month before, nearly two dozen other evangelical leaders signed a letter saying that global warming is not a consensus issue.
One of them, a theological professor, acknowledged that global warming seems to be real, but disagrees that it will necessarily be catastrophic.
He is not sure mandatory emissions would be effective, and that they might raise the price of energy, food and other necessities.
ěIf we increase the costs of such things,î he said, ěwe cause a disproportionate and very high negative impact on the poor,î (Minneapolis StarTribune, Feb. 9, 2006).
Because there is a growing concern about environmental issues across the theological spectrum, there is more opportunity to move this politically, according to a spokesperson of Minnesota interfaith network, representing 10 denominations.
The uncertainty in the minds of many is the result not only of the lack of agreement among scientists and other leaders, but also the actions of radical organizations, such as the Earth Liberation Front and the Animal Liberation Front.
In January, federal prosecutors in Seattle announced that a nine-year campaign to penetrate what they called a ěvast eco-terrorism conspiracyî in Oregon and four western states, had brought about the indictments of 11 people for participating in a five-year spree of arson and sabotage.
There were 17 attacks, which caused an estimated $23 million in damage to lumber companies, a ski resort, meat plants, federal ranger stations and a high voltage electricity tower.
These two groups, which were organized in small, Maoist-style cells advocating ědirect actionî against those they believed abused animals or the earth, were characterized by the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as ěterrorists,î and he said ěTerrorism is terrorism, no matter what the motive.î
There are many evidences of positive ways of dealing with our environmental problems.
In February, Dr. Norman Borlaug, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was awarded the National Medal of Science in a White House ceremony for his work in developing high-yield, disease-resistant wheat for numerous countries, and is credited with saving the lives of millions of lives.
Although not well-known in United States, he is regarded as a hero elsewhere, primarily in Pakistan, India, Mexico and Africa.
Other large scale efforts are being made to care for our environment.
As we have opportunity, we should back them. In a smaller, yet significant way, we as individuals can do our part.
By using the energy we need, but not wastefully, by recycling, and by carefully utilizing our resources we can make our planet a better place for ourselves and for future generations.
This is Biblical stewardship, which honors the Creator and preserves the gift of His creation.
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