Today a group of influential conservative Christian leaders issued a statement, "Climate Change: An Evangelical Call to Action" (see Evangelical Climate Initiative). The statement expresses a biblical conviction of environmental responsibility, and calls for action to address climate change. The news media has been picking up on this story, especially since it involves a position that is not typical of conservative Christians. The 85 signatories include many prominent Christian leaders (including Leith Anderson, Jack Hayford, Brian McLaren, Rick Warren, and our own Jay Barber - President of Warner Pacific College), but has already generated controversy with the rejection of the statement by other conservatives such as James Dobson.
Despite the political and scientific arguments pro and con against this position, it is impressive to see this segment of Christianity taking environmental stewardship seriously.
I am concerned, however, that in the Church of God we typically have adopted a very narrow view towards stewardship, being virtually silent on broader issues such as the environment. I remember awhile back looking through many of our doctrinal and theological books trying to find discussions on the environment. I was shocked and frustrated not to find a single significant statement by any Church of God author or theologian. Many writers address creation, but get caught up in the tired, old modernistic debates over creation versus evolution.
Thank you Jay Barber for boldly going against the norm, and reminding us in the Church of God of some of the broader issues of Scripture and holiness.
2 comments:
I too believe we have a responsibility to care for the planet. That issue agreed upon; let us look at the implementation of this group of evangelicals' position: They want the US to sign the Kyoto Accord forcing limits on pollution. On the face, all seems well. However, not one of the current signers of this agreement has cut pollution or is abiding by the agreement. Not one! This evangelical group, man they need a name more reflective of who they are, is demanding a bad course of action. Maybe if they had put some thought to the issues, instead of just emotion, they could have developed a sound platform. As it is, they are not offering anything that will move us towards a cleaner planet. They make it appear, as has been the case, that evangelicals are a cheap copy of the secular culture (its music, clothes, and now politics) in some lame attempt to appeal to a wider audience. How about putting together some new ideas instead of standing around with hands in pockets saying, ‘That sounds good to me.’
True, Kyoto is fraught with problems. Yet, despite its endorsement by this group, they are at least addressing the issue. We can argue over the solutions provided, but discussion is beginning to take place. Unfortunately, most "evangelicals" adhere to a theological dualism that leads them to ignore environmental stewardship, and they offer no solutions. It is better to offer imperfect solutions than to ignore the problems and offer no solutions. Our theology demands that we cannot abdicate our stewardship responsibilities.
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