Christians Shouldn't Care About Global Warming
That's right. You did just read that. Christians shouldn't care about global warming. Before I get any hate comments, hate emails, or a "friendly visit" at my home let my try to explain.
Let's start with the qualifier I put at the front of that very non-PC statement. This is for Christians. If your not a Christian, this doesn't apply. You can go about your regularly scheduled business. If you think I've gone off the deep end or are thinking this is another reason to not like Christianity or Christians keep reading.
What is Global Warming? I see Global Warming as being two very distinct things. First, it's an observation. The Earth is getting warmer. We know that the Earth gets warmer and cooler over time. In the last thousand or so years we have seen summers where the snow hasn't melted and places now covered in ice where there used to be farm lands. We, also, know that in recent centuries we have done things to contribute to the Earth getting warmer. But, this is just an observation of what's going on. In and of itself this is not a reason to act. This is not a motivation.
Global Warming is, also, a cause. This is the part that gets people riled up and provides the motivation to act. This cause is what has people caring about Global Warming, has lobbyist groups in Washington working hard for change, and has people around the world getting into arguments. In this cause I have herd two common arguments and these are the things Christians should not sign up for.
Global Warming will cause the ice caps to melt raising the water levels and flooding some areas. This very likely may be true. But, is it a bad thing? To many people who are comfortable with the way things are and a landscape change would remind them how little control they really have this is enough to dive them mad. But, God does use changes in the environment to change people, wake them up, and even wipe them out. Even if this is does happen and it's not God putting it into motion God can still work a lot of good through this and will provide.
To a Christian this is about trust, being reminded of what's really important, and opportunity. This is about trusting God no matter what lack of control we feel or have. If we trust God than this should not worry or concern us. Massive changes tend to drive us back to God. Many Christians get complacent in life and stop praying, spending time with God, or even asking Him to be much apart of their lives. When things get shaken up that tends to change. Life shaking that brings people to a stronger relationship with God is good. This is, also, a matter of opportunity. Jesus called us to serve others. When things get shaken up the opportunities open us to do just that. To open our homes to others, to donate our resources and time to others, and to care about people.
Global Warming means we have to be more environmentally friendly. This is the most dominant reason I hear for people to care about Global Warming. This is a terrible bang wagon for Christians to jump on. Not because the environment isn't important. It is. But, because the motivation is to stop change and isn't about God. Christians have a much more powerful and important reason to care about the environment than Global Warming. We have Gods command. God gave us the responsibility and privilege of caring for the Earth. He made us stewards of the Earth. To think that God gave us His perfect creation to take care of. If we really love God caring for the environment should be part of our daily lives. It should be us taking care of His planet.
Global Warming brings out something terrible in Christians. I takes our focus off God. We don't need Global Warming to care about the environment. We have Gods command and privilege. We don't need Global Warming as motivation to fight change in the world. We have trust in God to care for us though it.
Comments
#1 Clarification....
I like this, and I don't.
I like this thinking because it asks the important question "So What?" That's a crucial thing to ask before getting all riled up into these passionate debates. Someone says "the earth is being destroyed by global warming" or "the united states is going to crumble in our lifetime", the initial response from a Christain should be "so what?"...afterall, this doesn't change God or our relationship to him.
I don't like this because I think you misidentify the danger that Christians face. Basically, I think the problem with Christians is the opposite of what you suggest...most are in NO danger of caring too much about Global Warming OR the environment (I understand your distinction between the two...it's just that in most people's minds, they're the same thing, so I'll use them interchangeably). Most Christians are in danger of not caring enough about God's creation....Western Christains are generally rich republicans. They drive SUVs, they hate lobbyists, and, dammit, they litter! (hehe...)
I'd say, your idea here is the opposite of the warning it SHOULD be....Christians don't care enough about "global warming" or anything else environment related, and this shows their lack of respect for His creation...and I think the bigger problem is lack of attention....not the over attention you warn us about here.
#2 post for another day
My view is that Christians in the western world and particular America don't care enough about the environment. They don't care about Gods creation or the job he gave us to do.
But, Global Warming gives a reason other than God to do it. It's a motivation in fear and feeling powerless rather than in God. Christians should be motivated by God and the task he gave us to be stewards of the planet. Motivations other than that are bad because the focus is lost from God.
But, why Christians should care a great deal about the environment is a post for another day. I thought about throwing it in here but that would have made this post to long and I was tired of typing.
#3 Blogging and Preaching
I love your comment Bob and it makes me think about the challenge of preaching.
The reality is, there are plenty of Law points out there that can be made. In this case we'd have Christians not caring about the environment and Christians caring about the environment for the wrong reasons.
The challenge is always one of which Law point we are supposed to make. In other words, which one will cut to the heart and bring repentance.
It seems to me, Bob's whole comment is saying, "You've got dull Law that won't cut to the heart of your identified audience."
#4 What I was Addressing
Personally, I have gotten a lot of crap from Christians recently for not taking "Global Warming" seriously. They don't seem to understand why I don't care. This blog post an attempt to try to explain that.
I think there is an intended audience of this. But, I think the larger issue is Christians who don't care for the environment. They don't take the steward part seriously.
#5 Surprising...
I'm surprised...I don't know a single Christian who really gives a crap about global warming. I guess I know the white republican suburban kind.
#6 NOW YOU HAVE
Just because you haven't heard of any christians "giving a crap" about global warming doesn't mean those people don't exist! I'm a Chrisian and i love God, and I'm still concerned about global warming!!
#7 did you read the post?
I don't think you read my post. Your comment doesn't make sense in light of what I wrote.
#8 christians are christians
PROUD TO BE CHRISTIAN!
GOD RULES!
#9 global warming is a myth!
I agree Bob. I dont give a crap about global warming and I am a christian, I think global warming is a myth!
#10 Ok.. So I have two opinions
Ok.. So I have two opinions on this; First of all I would like to say that I agree with the fact that as Christians we have to make God central to all parts of our life and he should be the primary motivation for all that we do and it shouldn't take a dramatic change for Christians to suddenly take an interest in caring for the environment. Our motivation should, and have always been, that it was one of Gods commandments.
Now here is what I do disagree with; I do NOT like the whole "Who cares" or "So what" Attitude. Firstly this is not the attitude we should be presenting to the world; there are so many people that turn away from Christ or refuse to listen to the message because of how Christians present an "I don't give" attitude of what they feel is important, this is not in any way helping to build positive relationships in which Christians can be a positive influence into their lives. Secondly, like it or not the worlds environment is changing and there is continuing evidence growing that human influence has sped up the warming process and without making some effort to change the position of our emmisions and how we care for the environment we could push the worlds environment to a point at which the temperature will grow to an uncontrollable rate outside of natural temperature fluctuations.
Sure Natural disasters and more difficult conditions could indeed move people into positions that are more inclined to accept Christ, but this should not be a motivation to ignore changing conditions; don't get me wrong I want to see people come to Christ but this is not the way to go about it. Let me give an example, if there was a starving child on the brink of death what would you do? Feed and clothe the child and give them protection or try to communicate the message of God to the dying child? I believe I know what Jesus would have done he would have feed and clothed the child before trying to communicate the message of God, and whats more that message would be all that more potent from doing so.
In the same way I feel that we can't just ignore a problem of this nature we need to embrace caring for the environment and through this God's Love is Expressed.
#11 Philosophy vs. Action
Mike...
I agree with the things you say here, however, we're talking two different languages. We're talking internal philosophy vs. outward attitude.
I happen to LIKE the "so what" question that is expressed here, because it puts us in the correct mental state to view the problem....BUT, I would not like a "So What" outward attitude. That's the difference here....Matt (and myself) are talking about the attitudes associated with this stuff, not the actions. It's all about getting your 'head on straight'.
You can have a mental attitude of "So what if there's global warming, it doesn't affect my relationship with God", while realizing that your perspective of putting God first, mentally, may mean that your reaction to that might be to go out and do something....it's also realizing that an outward appearance of "so what" may not be the best witness to those who are very concerned about this issue...Just like it's not a good idea to go up and tell a total stranger about Christ, even though you may be speaking truth.
Personally, I say "so what" to global warming, yet I still think it's important to take care of the environment, and do what we can because He gave it to us...and because it's a form of witnessing to those concerned about the issue.
I think Matt and I are talking internal philosophy while you're talking external action.
#12 Internal Philosophy
Bob
Thanks for clearing that up; when I first read this post I initially didn't recognize the distinction Matt and yourself made between internal philosophy and outward attitude and thus got your perspective skewed, however, after rereading the post and your comments I now understand where you are coming from and I whole heartily agree with the concept which you have brought up.
On the other hand I also Agree with Mars when he said that boldly stating "Christians shouldn't care about Global Warming" might be sending the wrong message, as you undoubtedly read my concerns from my previous comment.
#13 made my point
I think the article made my point pretty well. I think the title was enough to grab a lot more attention than I thought.
But, I noticed something in this post that I didn't think about. Several of the comments were what people wanted to write about and not in response to what I wrote.
I tend to be very specific and intentional with my words. But, many people don't read what I write but are looking for something and responding to that. They read the title and thought I meant "Taking care of environment = bad" which is the opposite of what I wrote in the post.
It reminded me that I need to not jump to quick conclusions based on a single line but read what something says in context before I make up my mind on it or respond. I think this would be something good for all of us to do more often.
#14 too long!
This is way to long! :(
#15 it seems like you actually do care
Hi Matt-
After reading the entire post it seems to me like you're opposed to Christians concerning themselves with Global Warming as a label/cause to rally against (you even made reference to Global Warming as a bandwagon to jump on). As if to say you don't want to see Christians make Global Warming the next fad. But at the same time, it sounds like you're saying that everyone, Christians included, should be concerned with the environment and the affect that we have on it, which is resulting in Global Warming.
If I hear you correctly, I agree! I don't think Global Warming should become a brand that a person uses to identify themselves or shape their lives. But at the same time, it sometimes takes that type of branding to make people aware of the importance of an issue, such as here with the environment. Yes, in a perfect world we'd all be concerned with how we're affecting the environment to respect what God has given us, and because we want to preserve the beauty of our planet and it's offerings for future generations. But, sadly, that's not a strong enough reason for everyone (some Christians included). So the Global Warming bandwagon is born for the next wave to jump on. And, also sadly, that still won't be a strong enough reason to get everyone involved.
So, if I'm hearing you correctly, I agree with you in concept. However, I think to state boldly that "Christians shouldn't care about Global Warming," might be sending the wrong message.
#16 2 messages
I think there are 2 messages that have come up in the comments. One is caring for the environment. I am all for that and I just posted on that.
The second thing is the philosophical stand. If a person is a Christian and doesn't care about the environment than there is a problem right there. They need to follow Christ and get things moving in the right direction with their lives rather than have a different bandwagon to jump on.
Our actions aren't the only thing that matter. Do we do it out of faith or do it because it's a band wagon? The answer to this question matters. Throughout the bible starting all the way back in the book of Genesis through the New Testament the theme that doing 'it' in faith makes a difference. Maybe calling it a theme isn't quite right. The bible flat out says this.
In this post I was talking about the philosophical side of it. A side that I have caught a lot of crap about lately for me not jumping on the global warming band wagon.
#17 Global warming/reply
It is the kind of Christians like you my friend that scare me. You have this "happy go lucky", God will fix it all attitude that really scares me. Why don't you actually do something about it instead of pushing it off on God for once? Christians are to easly swayed by the "God is in charge, let him figure it out attitude",that is dangerous not only to believers but to the rest of us too. God gave us brains people and I think he expects us to use them quite more often than we do.
#18 I am for nature
Sheldon, I think I left you with the wrong idea of what I believe. You will find that I am for taking care of nature. Look at my other posts like http://www.mattfarina.com/2007/02/20/cultivating_support_for_nature or http://www.mattfarina.com/2007/02/09/all_christians_should_recycle.
What I am getting at here is our reason for caring for nature. Our reason, our motivation, our driving force matters. Global warming being our reason to care for nature is not good. This is not what it should be. We should do it because of God. Because we love Him and He said to take care of it. Please realize, I am all for caring for nature. What we need to keep an eye on is our reason for doing it.
#19 this
i think that you are seriously write i mean if you are a christian thn why should you worry about it i mean the lord is going to take care of his people no matter what. if any thing you shoiuld have known that this was comming because it talks abotu these things in the bible of what is going to be happining in the last days stuff that we have never saw before and its going on now-like nine elevan, sunomi, harricans catrina, the virgina teck shooting, war in iraq there are already sighns so dont act surprised about global warming you just better get write with the lord.
pleas write me if you have any commnts for me at rootypoop32@yahoo.com thank you
#20 Sort Of
This is something we shouldn't be surprised about. It is prophesied in the bible. If we believe what the bible says is true that this stuff will happen whether we like it or not.
At the same time, the first thing listed in the bible that God gave for man to was care and cultivate the land (Genesis 2). God wants us to care for the Earth. Bad things may happen but we don't have to be part of the cause. Those things can still happen and we should still care for nature.
#21 My question is, what will
My question is, what will you think when God tells you that you have ruined the beautiful Earth He had set up for you by causing His creatures to go extinct when they cannot deal with the rapid change, and force millions to become homeless (many who are already living in a state of destitute poverty in areas like Bangladesh) when the sea level rises even 1 meter (not outside of projections for this century), or that you have helped the spread of diseases like malaria to people who are not prepared for them as more northern areas warm up all because you didn't care about global warming. What if you are really partly to blame for the observations we are seeing, and your lack of seeing that and lack of asking for forgiveness for the actions you now know have harmed God's creation put you in a state of sin against God?
You are using the same rationale as saying "a person died today because of a gun that was in my hand. The trigger was pulled. The person is dead, and multiple people say they saw me shoot him. I observe he is dead, but God allows changes to happen to people's lives, so I am going to ignore the fact that it was my hand that pulled the trigger because all I need is God"
Your argument only holds true if global warming is a purely natural phenomenon, which it is not. People burn fossil fuels, God did not make everyone in the U.S. buy a car and fly on airplanes and launch rocket ships into space and burn coal for electricity. People did those things, albeit unknowingly at the time, and now that the knowledge is there of what we have done, this is our time to make it right and show to God that we really do care about His creation and His creatures here on Earth.
#22 did you read the whole post?
I wonder, based on your comment, if you read the whole post.
I didn't say that we shouldn't take care of nature. I called into question Global Warming being our motivating factor. The point was that we have a much better reason to take care of nature.
God said for us to take care of nature. What more do we need than that?
There was a time when we weren't polluting the earth with our machines and toxins and the temperature of the earth still fluctuated. The temperature of the earth 1000 years ago was where we will be, with current trends, in about 70 years. At some point in our history, between 1000 A.D. and before we had all our machines and toxins, the earth got cooler on it's own. We are coming out of a mini ice age in the earths history. Basically, it's completely natural for the temperature to change and the environment because of that.
Did God build his creatures in such a way that they can't survive major changes like the raising and lowering of temperatures like this and the changes that go along with that? If so, can you show me some evidence?
You do bring up a good point with the spread of disease. But, how is Global Warming (the cause) a good reason to care for others well being? And, how will stopping the earths change in temperature stop the spread of disease? Jesus was the best example of showing people compassion that I have ever herd of. He directed us to show people compassion. How is Global Warming a better reason than that?
You said, this is our time to make things right. To be honest, we can't make things right in the this world. Even if we take care of God creation to the best possible level we are capable of doing we won't make things right. That's why we need Jesus. That's why God has a plan for us and His creation. We can't make things right but He can.
#23 Leap of Faith
This commentary strikes fear in to the hearts of all that care about the earth and the people that it sustains. I think that this concept is the pure embodiment of evil. It basically states that, we should let go of all reason, all notion that our actions have consequences and just "let god sort it out." That the damage caused by global warming is just gods way of righting the world, no proof is needed, just a leap of faith.
The truth is that our carelessness and our unwillingness to apply reason to our actions is the cause of global warming. Despite what some say, the science is clear. Burning fossil fuels, fuels created 400 million years ago - well before Jesus graced us with his presents - release carbon dioxide in to the air and this traps the heat preventing it from escaping back into space causing the temperature to rise. Driving our huge SUVs, along with a multitude of other man made sources of carbon dioxide have raised the temperature of the earth and is starting to reap havoc with our environment.
It's not god's master plan, it's our own stupidity. And we are now paying the price - and it will soon get worse. Who has the power to stop it and save the millions of lives that will be lost? We do, and telling people not to use this power and to just allow those people to die is evil. Killing people through ambivalence it just as wrong as doing it on deadly purpose.
It is evil to suggest that anyone should not care or work tirelessly to stop global warming and, if there is a god, I hope those that do burn in hell for it.
#24 not against the enviornment
If you look though this post and my others on the environment like this one or this one you will see that I am not against taking care of nature. I am actually all for it.
But, global warming does not equal taking care of nature. Global warming is a reason for taking care of nature. It is a motivation to take care of nature. This is the heart of my issue. I am saying that Christians have a reason greater than the current day global warming cause for taking care of this great creation.
Global warming, while it has some wanting to take care of the environment, has a lot of propaganda and disinformation going around with it. Rather than people understanding what's going on they are grabbing on to sound bytes. There is a lot that can be learned and too often we fail in this area.
Like, how the earth operates. It's really quite amazing. Algae in the ocean converts a majority of the earths carbon dioxide into oxygen. More carbon dioxide in the atmosphere heats up the earth. When it gets warmer more algae grows and converts more carbon dioxide into oxygen. It's a closed loop control system in nature. What an amazing thing. So, we have more than one factor to face. Not just looking at our carbon dioxide levels but looking at how we disrupt the natural control system of carbon dioxide.
Or, looking at history. The earth is currently in a mini ice age that it is coming out of. So, the earth should be getting warmer even if you took our current environmental trashing issues. You can see signs of the colder points during the U.S. revolutionary war era where there was year when it snowed in the summer. The cold never went away. We can look at the past and see a time when Greenland, now covered in ice, was full of lush farms about 1000 years ago. It was warmer back then.
An interesting side note is that the most peaceful time in recorded history is when the earth is warmer than it is now. A temperature that at current trends we won't reach for over 70 more years.
So, my reason, knowledge, and care for this beautiful thing called the earth and it's inhabitants isn't lacking. I just find there is something greater than global warming as my motivation.
#25 my blog
hey matt
i just started a blog - check it out,
theres a post sorta related to this issue.
www.cursoryglance.wordpress.com
thanks!
Paul
#26 DISAGREE
First of all, I am SICK of people using God and their religion as an excuse to not helping with Global Warming. Its CRAP! Its just an excuse to be lazy. If you all think God will help with Global Warming..don't you think it would be fixed by now? Hey thousands of people loose their lives in hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes...where was GOD then...ha?
And what do you mean the ice melting and flooding isn't that bad? HELLOOOOOOO...watch the news! U are messed up in the head!!
#27 I think global and
I think global and environmental issues do not apply religion discrimination in this case, because when it comes to natural phenomena, we are all affected. Addressing global warming and climate changes, I think it is time for us to do something for our nature. In simple acts like planting a tree, we can save our mother earth. Arbor Day is upon us, and we are all encouraged to do something for the arborous plants that cohabitate our space with us. Arbor Day, the holiday for trees, is the day we are all encouraged to plant a tree. It has endorsements from the environmentalists, botanists the globe over, and celebrities ranging from John Denver to Ted Nugent. (Uncle Ted is quite the conservationist, actually.) It's worth getting cash advance loans to plant one, as trees not only are good for the environment, but are splendid aesthetically and add property value to your home. Think of it as giving installment loans to the earth, if you plant a tree on Arbor Day.