Creation: Environmentalist versus Environmentalism
By Robert Acuff|Published Date: September 07, 2009
You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands; you have put all things under his feet Psalm 8:6.
The duties of man in the care of God’s creation are quite clear in scripture and provide us with a direct responsibility. If we care for the creation as God intends, we bring to our biblical world view that of an environmentalist; however, I would caution us in the definition. It is not that of the environmentalism movement where the creation becomes our idol and we hold it above all rational thinking. It is by definition one that cares for the creation but also provides a proper prospective for our brother and sisters well-being when laws or policies are implemented to initiate the prevention of global warming based on man’s role in its cause. Environmentalism is no doubt a kingdom movement of its own; radical adjustment of facts, scientific data manipulation or just plain falsehoods to achieve a desired outcome with neglect or disregard of the possible consequences. Many Christians seem unsure of their responsibility in creation stewardship while others have “bought” into the position of the plethora of environmental groups accusing western capitalism as the cause and pointing to man as the culprit in the destruction of the planet.
Listen to the Broadcast:
Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!
Based on reducing energy use, reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and the trading of carbon credits by the manufacturing sector, the Waxman-Markey Bill (American Clean Energy and Securities Act) passed by the US House of Representatives in June 2009, intend to reduce global warming and aid in the prevention of a global environmental catastrophe. I think we would all agree that Christians have a responsibility in preserving the earth and God’s creation, but do we recognize the impact of legislation? This past Monday on the Forum, Dr. E. Calvin Beisner founder of and the National Spokesman for the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation (www.cornwallalliance.org), was our guest for the purpose of giving us a biblical worldview perspective on the environment. He focused on the legislation of “Cap and Trade” with ramifications on the poor among us, especially the Third World poor. We discussed the economic peril that would be placed on sectors that are imperative to man’s existence (e.g. agriculture, industry and commerce) if the current legislation is enacted as law. Further, impact on adequate healthcare and disease prevention was cited as a concern because of the potential to further cause a downward spiral into an economic catastrophe. As we celebrate the 250th year of William Wilberforce’s birthday let us utilize our biblical worldview as he did, in all its facets and spheres to formulate a response to those that would idolize the environment. Resources in addition to the Cornwall Alliance, which may be helpful in strengthening a biblical worldview, are the Copenhagen Consensus Center (www.copenhagencenter.com), The Heartland Institute (www.heartland.org), CO2 Science (www.co2science.org) and the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change (www.nipccreport.org).
You may listen to the broadcast by clicking the play link above. We encourage you to utilize the Forum as a site for online learning. Your comments as well as suggestions for speakers/topics for Christian Worldview discussion are encouraged (radio@chuckcolsoncenter.org).
