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Christians and Global Warming, pt. 1

How does one talk to his family, co-workers, friends, or girlfriend about "global climate disruption" in a world where Christians are uncomfortable with even the most basic environmental concerns? 

I believe this simple approach sets a foundation for productive discussion among Christians interested in considering how their faith relates to today's global warming hub-bub.

For the last several years Kerry Stevens and I have collaborated on how best to present this subject, via our project The Journey of Environmental Stewardship. Kerry and I each present customized versions of the information we believe most relevant. For the final piece of The Journey ("greenhouse gasses" in the Kerry version) I focus on -

I: The environment

II: God

III: Data on greenhouse gasses & air quality

IV: Discussion of real solutions

V: Faith

Here are thumbnail descriptions for parts I & II: 

 
I. Environment
There are 5 Areas that need our attention:

  1. Natural Resources
    (trees, soil, water, land, etc)
     
  2. Biodiversity
    (plants, animals, insects)
       
  3. Toxicity
    (things not healthy for humans or other members of Creation)
     
  4. Waste
    (everybody knows they should recycle)
     
  5. Air Pollution & Emissions
    (affecting air quality & global weather patterns)

 

II. God
God expects Christians to care for Creation
       

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More on Parts III, IV, & V soon

Your comments appreciated.

 

chris_searles's picture
Submitted by chris_searles on Tue, 05/11/2010 - 7:46am

Comments

Courting Christians

Submitted by Howie Richey on Thu, 05/20/2010 - 10:29am.

I see little use in evangelizing churchgoers with greened-up versions of their own gospel. Eternal rewards have nothing to do with plants, animals, or habitats. The earth needs no stewards, having gotten along just fine for eons before humans developed. Jesus didn't come to save the whales. If anything, salvationist religions are an impediment to proper understanding of people's place in the community of life. Put them in a museum along with other quaint and curious but woefully irrelevant artifacts of the past.

-HR

Christians and the environment

Submitted by Meredith on Thu, 05/20/2010 - 3:06pm.

The earth may not need stewards, but if people don't act in a 'stewardly' manner the earth is in bigger trouble than it might be otherwise. Many Christians are not opening themselves to the reality of global warming so it is heartening to see young people talk about the need to treat God's creation with respect and love. Dr. Jim Rigby (St Andrews Presbyterian church in Austin) talks about Christian call to care for our earth but from a justice point of view. If we are all one... either by virtue of scientific atomic theories which unite us by way of the same atoms or by virtue of all being one in Christ... we are part of the earth and the earth is part of us. To mistreat part of the earth is to mistreat everyone including ourselves. To love part of the earth is to love everyone including ourselves. Awareness of Christianity as a call to justice is key (in my opinion, of course).

Meredith