How should a Christian react to the current concerns regarding the environment & global warming. What responsibility does being a Christian impose on you for how you treat the planet and its resources?
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Christians & the environment
- Thread starter eddie123
- Start date
Intelligently. With shrewdness. With nurture and responsibility.
We are taught that we are stewards -- that God entrusted the earth to our care.
Luke 12 and Lu 16 speak about stewardship -- not specifically about the earth-- but show that God expects us to be proactive in caring for what we use.
Genesis 1, starting around verse 26, talks about man's responsibility over the resources on the earth.
Genesis 2:15 And Jehovah God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden, to work it and to keep it.
Note the Hebrew word meanings for the term "keep."
At the same time, we need to be savvy about any agendas that are glued in behind the facades of environmental awareness. Some of the steps being taken are not helping the environment in the long run.
We have a responsibility to protect and care for others, which might involve challenging where money is spent and who spends it... investigating their full motives.
(Yes, I recycle.)
We are taught that we are stewards -- that God entrusted the earth to our care.
Luke 12 and Lu 16 speak about stewardship -- not specifically about the earth-- but show that God expects us to be proactive in caring for what we use.
Genesis 1, starting around verse 26, talks about man's responsibility over the resources on the earth.
Genesis 2:15 And Jehovah God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden, to work it and to keep it.
Note the Hebrew word meanings for the term "keep."
At the same time, we need to be savvy about any agendas that are glued in behind the facades of environmental awareness. Some of the steps being taken are not helping the environment in the long run.
We have a responsibility to protect and care for others, which might involve challenging where money is spent and who spends it... investigating their full motives.
(Yes, I recycle.)
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J
Jedidah
Guest
I think it's our responsiblity as Christians to be good stewards of this earth. As a result I reduce, reuse and recycle in order to cut down waste and resources I use. I'm vegetarian because I believe that adopting this diet reduces the resources (land, energy, water, etc) used to produce the food I eat (I have other reasons for this diet too but environmental reasons is a big part of my decision). I use public transportation and walk or cycle whenever possible (which as I don't drive is most of the time!).
Essentially, I think there's lots of things we can all do to help reduce the impact humans have on this earth. I think it's the responsibility of everyone to take care of this planet. It doesn't matter if you believe God made it, or how you think He made it, or why...we all need to do our best to treat it well.
Essentially, I think there's lots of things we can all do to help reduce the impact humans have on this earth. I think it's the responsibility of everyone to take care of this planet. It doesn't matter if you believe God made it, or how you think He made it, or why...we all need to do our best to treat it well.
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I think there are also ways we don't think of that prevent unnecessary resources to be used up -- things as simple as used clothing
and furniture centers are significant! Many food distribution programs get their food from groceries and fancy bread stores, taking the day-old things that are still good but would be tossed.
I remember an ad for Food for the Hungry, which has grown to be a huge organization over the years ... they had access to massive tons of small or misshapen potatoes which were grown for a certain company that needed large potatoes to fit their processing machines and maintain their uniform standards.
Think about the social demand to keep up with new cars... what resources are spent to make a new car and trash a used one. Most Christians I know suppress their internal demands to get the best vehicles, just because they want them. Our teachings put values in a more balanced perspective. (I'm not contrasting this with other religions... just answering the question.)
and furniture centers are significant! Many food distribution programs get their food from groceries and fancy bread stores, taking the day-old things that are still good but would be tossed.
I remember an ad for Food for the Hungry, which has grown to be a huge organization over the years ... they had access to massive tons of small or misshapen potatoes which were grown for a certain company that needed large potatoes to fit their processing machines and maintain their uniform standards.
Think about the social demand to keep up with new cars... what resources are spent to make a new car and trash a used one. Most Christians I know suppress their internal demands to get the best vehicles, just because they want them. Our teachings put values in a more balanced perspective. (I'm not contrasting this with other religions... just answering the question.)
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First, let's assume for the moment that mankind is actually causing global warming. If that is the case we should do everything possible to stop it. God didn't put us here to destroy the planet, He put us here to take care of it. To be good stewards of our home.
To the extent possible we should stop polluting our environment, whether we are causing global warming or not.
Pollution is a differnt issue than climate change.
I do not believe that anything man does, or can do (short of total nuclear war) will do anything to change our global climate.
I do not deny that it is possible that the planet is actually getting somewhat warmer. I do deny, until reliable evidence is provided, that mankind is causing it.
One question that I have never had answered by the global warming advocates is, "Explain to me how the earth has gone through 17 different ice ages.". Note that during every one of those 17 (according to the evolutionsts) there were few humans around, and no SUVs, jet aircraft, power plants, etc etc.
Between each ice age there was a "global warming" with no impact from human civilization.
There are so many different POSSIBLE causes other than mankind, that have not been explored or analyzed. The change in the amount of radiation from the sun which is a known event: The tilt of the earth on its axis (which happens on a periodic cycle), some believe that the "warming" of the sea water is due to underwater volcanos.
I heard a commentator on the radio the other day discussing the 0.7 degree Celsius, change in "global temperature". He was citing well known climatologists. He pointed out that there was no reliable way to determine whether the temperature had actually increase on a global basis by 0.7 degree C, or not.
He then went on to say that the actual temperature of the earth today is some 7 degrees lower than the average temperature over the last 600,000 years. (don't ask me how they figured that out).
In short, the whole global warming "panic" is in my opinion simply another "chicken little" example of people who have way too much time on their hands, who are searching for billions of dollars in research grants, and to push their agenda on the rest of us.
Fred
To the extent possible we should stop polluting our environment, whether we are causing global warming or not.
Pollution is a differnt issue than climate change.
I do not believe that anything man does, or can do (short of total nuclear war) will do anything to change our global climate.
I do not deny that it is possible that the planet is actually getting somewhat warmer. I do deny, until reliable evidence is provided, that mankind is causing it.
One question that I have never had answered by the global warming advocates is, "Explain to me how the earth has gone through 17 different ice ages.". Note that during every one of those 17 (according to the evolutionsts) there were few humans around, and no SUVs, jet aircraft, power plants, etc etc.
Between each ice age there was a "global warming" with no impact from human civilization.
There are so many different POSSIBLE causes other than mankind, that have not been explored or analyzed. The change in the amount of radiation from the sun which is a known event: The tilt of the earth on its axis (which happens on a periodic cycle), some believe that the "warming" of the sea water is due to underwater volcanos.
I heard a commentator on the radio the other day discussing the 0.7 degree Celsius, change in "global temperature". He was citing well known climatologists. He pointed out that there was no reliable way to determine whether the temperature had actually increase on a global basis by 0.7 degree C, or not.
He then went on to say that the actual temperature of the earth today is some 7 degrees lower than the average temperature over the last 600,000 years. (don't ask me how they figured that out).
In short, the whole global warming "panic" is in my opinion simply another "chicken little" example of people who have way too much time on their hands, who are searching for billions of dollars in research grants, and to push their agenda on the rest of us.
Fred
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the most important thing God cares about, is first of all people. let's just not lose focus. Thankfully the Bible shares prophecy that all things will be made new and perfect. yes, pollution is not good, and we should do what we can to be helpful and not trash the earth. I do my part in recycling, and pick up trash while I'm out. Jesus is a servant, christians are to be servants like Him.
I think some people who are going a bit overboard being scared about the planet warming up, are a little out of touch with the main point of Jesus, seek and save the lost, we are all going to die, are we ready to face God. We are going to die, a couple degrees hotter, is not the big issue, while they talk about global warming, there's 12 feet of snow dumped in New York or something like that, I don't even get their point. Anyway, it seems to still have that fear of death involved. Jesus gives us answer to fear of death, eternal life. seek and save the lost. I do my best to be helpful to planet, but I am still poor, I don't have much choice over many things especially as single mom, I can pray for others and do my best to reach out with hope of Jesus, which I am involved with bible studies to criminals and other ways. God has all the answers in the Bible, and even tells us the future in it, we don't have to be scared.
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Without wanting to divert this thread from my original question I feel the need to just address the question.....
...Firstly - if you think that the scientists who tell us about evolution are wrong and mankind was around since creation, then surely you must either believe that the world has only existed for a relatively short period of time - in which case why would you believe them when they tell you about all the ice ages? - or you must believe that mankind has been around for millions or billions of years, in which case how would you be sure what technology man had in the past?
I think in the theories for the causation of the previous periods of warm and cold climactic periods are formulated from well documented evidence for the suggested major initiating factors. Obviously though any theory is open to dis-proof.
With the factors you suggest there are problems....
The radiation emitted by the Sun varies all the time and literally billions are spent monitoring solar activity and output. Variations in output over recent times do not seem to provide a significant correlation with temperature rises, whereas the statisitcal correlation between industrial output, the emission of "greenhouse gases" and warming is well documented. Any statistical correlation is not "proof", but surely has to at least be taken seriously, especially in the absence of other contradictory but equally compelling correlations?
The tilt of the earth on its axis is indeed a periodic cycle and is well understood, taking approximately 41000 years to complete. The current trend is a decreasing tilt which is hypothesised to be a cause of increased glaciation, not the decrease that is currently being seen.
"Warming" of the sea water due to underwater volcanoes is an unlikely factor because volcanic and seismic activity are extensively monitored around the globe. The energy required to heat the world's oceans would require enormous increases in volcanic output for which (as far as I'm aware) there is no evidence.
Regardless of what somebody may have said on the radio the evidence for Global Warming, whatever its cause, is compelling and its effects are already being felt in many of the poorest parts of the planet. Environmental concerns extend way beyond issues of Global Warming to pollution, increasing salinity, loss of topsoil, increasing demands on fossil fuel resources, toxic waste disposal in the third world and the distortion of local sustainable production to service the demands of first world consumer markets.
Is there doctrinal instruction on how Christians should behave to preserve the planet's resources or is this not specifically dealt with. If preservation of resources is not specifically discussed, how does a Christian know what is the "right" action to take? If you're all going to heaven why should you care about the Earth anyway?
...Firstly - if you think that the scientists who tell us about evolution are wrong and mankind was around since creation, then surely you must either believe that the world has only existed for a relatively short period of time - in which case why would you believe them when they tell you about all the ice ages? - or you must believe that mankind has been around for millions or billions of years, in which case how would you be sure what technology man had in the past?
I think in the theories for the causation of the previous periods of warm and cold climactic periods are formulated from well documented evidence for the suggested major initiating factors. Obviously though any theory is open to dis-proof.
With the factors you suggest there are problems....
The radiation emitted by the Sun varies all the time and literally billions are spent monitoring solar activity and output. Variations in output over recent times do not seem to provide a significant correlation with temperature rises, whereas the statisitcal correlation between industrial output, the emission of "greenhouse gases" and warming is well documented. Any statistical correlation is not "proof", but surely has to at least be taken seriously, especially in the absence of other contradictory but equally compelling correlations?
The tilt of the earth on its axis is indeed a periodic cycle and is well understood, taking approximately 41000 years to complete. The current trend is a decreasing tilt which is hypothesised to be a cause of increased glaciation, not the decrease that is currently being seen.
"Warming" of the sea water due to underwater volcanoes is an unlikely factor because volcanic and seismic activity are extensively monitored around the globe. The energy required to heat the world's oceans would require enormous increases in volcanic output for which (as far as I'm aware) there is no evidence.
Regardless of what somebody may have said on the radio the evidence for Global Warming, whatever its cause, is compelling and its effects are already being felt in many of the poorest parts of the planet. Environmental concerns extend way beyond issues of Global Warming to pollution, increasing salinity, loss of topsoil, increasing demands on fossil fuel resources, toxic waste disposal in the third world and the distortion of local sustainable production to service the demands of first world consumer markets.
Is there doctrinal instruction on how Christians should behave to preserve the planet's resources or is this not specifically dealt with. If preservation of resources is not specifically discussed, how does a Christian know what is the "right" action to take? If you're all going to heaven why should you care about the Earth anyway?
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getting away from global warming, but refering to why we care about Earth, it is because pollution can be harmful and poisonous. We don't want to be full of cancers and not being able to breathe and giving cancer to our children because of smog and lead and etc. some simple things can be done to help Earth be a nice place to live, we do live here still with our children.
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J
jrmronald
Guest
This nothing wrong with the world but there is something wrong
with the people in our government. Its all a smoke screen to
cover up the evil that they do.
I guess your concerned about co2. Stop and think, plants take
in co2 and give off oxygen. What happens to us when there is
no oxygen. Each year in the winter in the north Atlantic there
are volcanic erruptions under the ocean floor giving off massive
co2 erruptions that have sunk ships going through it. Its all
nature. These evil people are always coming up with fables
that we can control nature. Its all rubish.
take care
jrm
with the people in our government. Its all a smoke screen to
cover up the evil that they do.
I guess your concerned about co2. Stop and think, plants take
in co2 and give off oxygen. What happens to us when there is
no oxygen. Each year in the winter in the north Atlantic there
are volcanic erruptions under the ocean floor giving off massive
co2 erruptions that have sunk ships going through it. Its all
nature. These evil people are always coming up with fables
that we can control nature. Its all rubish.
take care
jrm
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Confess
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I believe in being a good steward, but I don't put a lot of energy in the lastest (fad) of envirnmental scares.
In the 1970's we went through many blizzards
In the 80's ... I can't remember
In the 90's it was El Ninyo (however you spell it)
in the 2000's we have global warming.
Now I know they have been talking about global warming more then the 2000's .. but now they have put that emphasis above all others.
If you look through out history, the earth has heated up and cooled down only to heat up and cool back down again.
It cycles.
In the 1970's we went through many blizzards
In the 80's ... I can't remember
In the 90's it was El Ninyo (however you spell it)
in the 2000's we have global warming.
Now I know they have been talking about global warming more then the 2000's .. but now they have put that emphasis above all others.
If you look through out history, the earth has heated up and cooled down only to heat up and cool back down again.
It cycles.
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Yes, but if you're saved you need to die to go to heaven so where's the problem - surely the pollution is just speeding things up a bit?
Your government is not my government. Many accuse your government of doing the exact opposite - i.e playing down these concerns. Was the "smoke screen" bit a clever pun?
Ah! You're guessing my motivations. Unfortunately you're wrong, I'm just trying to understand what you think your religion tells you to do.
Does this come from Christian teachings?
If so, where?
If not, then what has this to do with my question
- i.e. I seem to be getting responses pushing forward an opinion regarding the veracity of the scientific reporting of climate change, not answering my question regarding your religion & its teachings. If the Bible says "there's no such thing as climate change" or "never believe what scientists tell you" then fair enough, but personal opinions and prejudices not based on the teachings of your religion are not answering my question.
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£
£amb
Guest
I care about the Earth now because when I do die, then my kids will still be here, and their kid's kids, and their kid's kids, etc. I do my part to help the environment so that others can enjoy it much further down the road after I'm gone.
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To restate & rephrase my question to try to find the answers I'm looking for - my question is:
What does being a Christian tell you to do with regard to how to treat the environment and environmental concerns? Are there explicit teachings regarding this or do you just take any path you choose with no guidance from your religion? If your religion provides no guidance on this subject, why doesn't it when it seems to have so much to say in other areas (relationships, sexuality, violence, taxation, usury ...etc...).
What does being a Christian tell you to do with regard to how to treat the environment and environmental concerns? Are there explicit teachings regarding this or do you just take any path you choose with no guidance from your religion? If your religion provides no guidance on this subject, why doesn't it when it seems to have so much to say in other areas (relationships, sexuality, violence, taxation, usury ...etc...).
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seajoy
Senior Veteran
I can help you...it was global cooling. I learned about it in high school that our earth was going to soon freeze up.
Anyway...back to the OP. I think we should be good stewards of the world God created for us. It really bugs me when there is trash along the roadways.
I think sometimes as humans we think we can control more than we are really able. The God who created this planet, certainly is able to care for it and make it last as long as He needs it for His grand plan, which is for as many as possible to be in heaven with Him because of Christ.
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Answering your post in more depth, there are teachings about going the extra mile for others. Most of environmental efforts are about setting aside our greed, and taking that extra step to clean up after ourselves.
(Short opportunity to insert one more tangent about greedy agendas in the guise of trendy crises.)
But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.
Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
Mt 5:40
You are the salt of the earth...In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works.
Mtt. 5:13-16
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the main message of Christ is love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself, I believe.
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I'm sorry if you find my question condescending but I think it's quite reasonable.
Surely Christianity tells you the appropriate way to lead your life in this world in preparation for the next, so a question regarding what it tells you about how you treat the world itself (as you say - God's creation) seems to me to be <IMHO> appropriate.
It also seems to me to be appropriate to ask, if your religion does not teach you about how to treat the world, do you have any opinion about why this would be given that Christianity seems to be quite explicit in it's teachings on many other areas of life?
No - it's as though I'm asking a question about whether or not you believe Christians are explicitly instructed by God on how to live and care for his creation, or whether what choices they make are based solely on personal judgement. Given the diverse range of opinions so far, the lack of any responses quoting some form of doctrinal guidance, and the defensiveness of some of the respondents, I assume it must be the latter.
I don't know - I'm not an atheist - if you want a definitive answer to that question I suggest you ask one. Nor do I know what most other religions teach on this issue (if I come across a similar forum to this I'll ask them as well); nor do I think that imposing your prejudices about the views of others is helpful in answering my question regarding Christian teachings.
FWIW I'd assume that as atheists do not claim to be instructed by some higher power it's unlikely that atheists can be considered as a single group - i.e they probably hold the whole range of views - and they probably have to form their opinions by what seems correct to them.
Given that atheists don't believe in some form of afterlife I'd assume that they've got more of a vested interest in making this one as good as possible, rather than Christians who believe they're going to a better place anyway.
Certainly I'm aware of many atheists being involved in environmental movements, but then again there are lots of Christians and many of other religions involved too.
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Eddie, you've only heard eight people quickly respond to your question in one day. Please don't assume that represents all of Christian thought and teaching. We did give you some answers, so you can see that the question was addressed -- maybe just not in the way you're looking for. This is a forum, not a theological center that is paid for disseminating its research.
Thousands of years ago, there were no verses written on smokestack emissions and safe nuclear waste disposal. But there were verses on rotating crops, leaving fields fallow, resisting hybridizing crops and crossbreeding (take further to genetic engineering concerns about disease).
The tithe of grain also ensured that a stockpile of seed was stored for the community, in case of drought or famine.
Ex 23:11 , Le 19:19, Le 25
I'm sure there's more -- it just takes some digging. You're welcome to look, too.
Thousands of years ago, there were no verses written on smokestack emissions and safe nuclear waste disposal. But there were verses on rotating crops, leaving fields fallow, resisting hybridizing crops and crossbreeding (take further to genetic engineering concerns about disease).
The tithe of grain also ensured that a stockpile of seed was stored for the community, in case of drought or famine.
Ex 23:11 , Le 19:19, Le 25
I'm sure there's more -- it just takes some digging. You're welcome to look, too.
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seajoy
Senior Veteran
I guess I'm just unsure why you think Christians wouldn't care about the environment. Not caring is akin to destroying God's creation.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1. We care about everything God created. That's why we care about the unborn. Anything God made is important, and to be cared for.
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