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Earth
Day, Ecology and Christians
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Sorry
to say but if and when an evangelical, fundamentalist
or charismatic Christian mentions Earth Day or ecology
he or she is instantly looked upon with suspicion
or worse by fellow ‘conformist’ Christians.
The charge and label “New Ager” or “liberal”
is often hurled at the Christian who expresses concern
for our planet and caring for it. This seems to
be especially true from those Christians who take
a premillennial theological position. I happen to
be one of those Christians who also takes this position
regarding the End Times. However, I do not always
buy into the commonly accepted positions of some
premillennialists in matters such as are being addressed
herein.
Few
evangelical pastors dare take a stand favoring environmental
issues for fear of offending and/or alienating their
congregations.
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To take a position advocating proper care for our planet
may bring all kinds of hateful accusations from fellow
Christians. Many theologically conservative Christians
relegate environmental issues to ‘the New Age Movement’
or to ‘the so-called liberals’. Few leaders
who have aligned themselves with what is dubbed the “Christian
Right” dare voice any opposition to the commonly
accepted “party line.” Yet, there appears
to be some within the movement who are beginning to speak
out on these matters. Again, if you are in this number
be prepared to be branded “a liberal” or an
“unbeliever” by some.
Why
the Complacency?
Why
are so many traditional Christians either complacent or
even actively opposed to environmental issues? What can
be done to change this mindset?
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For
the life of me I cannot figure this one out as to
the reasons for this complacency and outright opposition
from so many conservative Christians. I am a theologically
conservative Christian in my belief system as well
as a retired evangelical pastor. I am convinced,
however, that Christians, whatever their label or
theological premise, should be at the vanguard in
fostering environmental issues. If, as Christians
we in fact believe what we say we believe, then
this issue is important and should not be ignored.
This issue simply will not go away. I concur with
what as someone has written which states:"The
Church for too long has been held captive by Western
culture, big corporative materialism and secularism.” |
I
am convinced that it is time for we Christians demand
that our churches, pastors and denominations be freed
from being held captive to our culture. Ecology is not
a political issue. It’s not the domain of the Green
Party or of the Democrats or certain Republicans. Rather,
it is a matter of caring for our planet. It is a biblical
issue! Christians should not be ignoring what God has
entrusted unto humankind. God delegated the care of this
planet unto humankind shortly after the work of creation
as recorded in the book of Genesis. Oh yes, I am one of
those people who believes that the Triune God alone is
the Creator. This universe did not just happen. Human
beings did not evolve from some other lower form of life.
It appears that too many Christians are apathetic as to
what’s happening to our planet; the raping, plundering
and abuse of planet earth is deplorable. Yet, too many
Christians appear to either turn their heads to these
issues or more often than not many, especially the
leadership, vocally oppose taking affirmative, active,
positive stands by casting aspersions upon those of us
who do take positive stands.
If
an evangelical church declares its support by promoting
Earth Day or ecological issues, that church immediately
is ridiculed, falsely accused and branded as being
liberal and consequently loses some of its more
politically conservative members.
If you are a conservative Christian you may be wondering
why should Christians champion the cause and issues
relating to the earth? As a biblical Christian let
me share a few reasons with you: |
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As
Christians we believe that the earth and all therein
was originally created by God. Unlike most non-Christians
who deny both the Creator and the work of Creation,
biblical Christians accept as fact that the earth
and its environment is of God. If it is undeniably
of God, then God’s people need to take responsibility
for its care. It is indeed tragic when we let the
enemy (Satan and his hosts) rob what rightfully belongs
to us. |
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As
Christians we believe that humankind has been
commissioned to serve as caretakers not abusers
of the earth. |
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As
Christians we need to take firm, vocal stands
promoting environmental issues. This can be done by
becoming involved in organizations[1] that promote
these issues. At the same time we can and should let
our witness of Christ be heard in these organizations.
A positive, loving Christian witness is the best way
of presenting the Gospel. |
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As
Christians we must end relegating environmental issues
to New Agers and others with whom we disagree. We
should begin taking the lead as caretakers. By turning
aside from facing reality we are literally turning
multitudes of young people away from considering
the Gospel and the legitimacy of New Testament faith. |
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As
Christians we need to start showing a genuine concern
for what’s happening to the rain forests of
the world and the rape of those areas by money-grabbing
industry, unconcerned developers and power-hungry
politicians. |
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Christians
should actively combat the littering of our communities,
highways, graffiti, etc. We of all people need to
be at the forefront of community cleanup efforts. |
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Christians
should stop purchasing and using products and
items that are not recyclable or biodegradable and
are harmful to the environment. |
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| Closely
related and coupled to environmental issues is the need
for Christians to include proper care of the wildlife. We
can become involved in our local animal shelters as well
as with issues relating to wildlife.
It cannot be said too often that Christians are called by
God to be caretakers, not abusers, of the animals and the
wildlife on our planet earth. Does this make me “a
flaming liberal?” Or does it simply make me a Christian
who is concerned and who is seeking to be Biblical?
Christians need to be cautious of those who place an emphasis
on so-called Mother-earth. Tied in with the Mother-earth
emphasis is the rise of goddess religion. Goddess religion
is paganism and represents nearly everything that biblical
Christians oppose. There must be awareness of the danger
of exalting Mother-earth to a godlike status. The Christian’s
allegiance is to God and to God alone! There is no goddess.
In fact, goddess religion is anti-biblical and is soundly
condemned in Scripture. However, the term ‘Mother-earth’
need not be equated with false goddess concepts. God alone
is Creator and Sustainer as well as Savior and Lord. God
alone is worthy of all praise, worship and adoration. As
Christians we recognize that our original parents, Adam
and Eve, were placed upon this planet to care for it. As
their descendants, we too, are to care for our planet. It
has been said that “some Christians are so heavenly
minded that they are no earthly good!” |
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would like to offer some practical suggestions:
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| Annually
observe Earth Day (April 22nd) either on the day
itself or on a Sunday near that date in some manner
by letting it be known that we Christians are concerned
for the good of our planet. Even though we are looking
expectantly for the return of our Lord in Blessed
Hope, we must not give up on our present home here
on earth.
Recognize
the great impact for good that animals have upon
our lives. I’m sure at this point some of
my ‘evangelical’ peers will get upset
with me, if not already upset, but I am an advocate
of an annual blessing of animals on or near the
day designated to remember St.
Francis of Assisi (October 4th). Why not? |
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I
believe that Francis was an authentic follower of Jesus
Christ and that he was far ahead of his day in his regard
for the planet and all that it contains, including the animals.
Blessing the animals need not be relegated as being too
catholic, rather it can be an effective community witness
especially to people who have a love for animals. We
have a service format for “The Blessing of the Animals”
available. It’s yours for the asking. Just contact
us and ask for it.
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Encourage
people in your church to become involved in some
of the issues regarding ecology. Be prepared for
ridicule and possible rejection. However, remember
the Church does not usually change or move very
quickly on matters of importance. Take the lead
and help other Christians see the need and great
opportunity that is before us.
Don’t
be guilty of littering; stoop over and pick up any
litter around you, on your property, in your neighborhood,
on the church grounds, at other places and then
properly dispose of it. We can and will make a difference
in matters we think of as being small. Your church
might consider becoming a part of the highway pick-up
litter program in your community.
Encourage
Christian leaders to become involved in ecology
issues. |
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Gently
lead the way into greater involvement by your fellow church
members but don’t condemn or judge those fellow
members of the Body of Christ who may not take this issue
as seriously as you do. Always keep in mind that Christlike
love wins!
[1]
Christian Environmental Association at 1650 Zanker
Rd., Suite #150, San Jose, CA 95112-1129.
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