Evangelical Christians Called to Tackle Global Warming
The Rev. Richard Cizik, vice-president for governmental affairs of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), is pushing to persuade evangelical Christians to care about global warming.
by Kevin Donovan
Posted: Tuesday, September 26, 2006, 9:23 (BST)
The Rev. Richard Cizik, vice-president for governmental affairs of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), is pushing to persuade evangelical Christians to care about global warming.
But while most U.S. evangelical Christians tend to vote Republican, the environmental cause is more associated with the Democratic Party, Cizik said in a Reuters interview.
Cizik notes that since the 60 million or so American evangelicals tend to be more concerned with such social issues as abortion and the war in Iraq, getting them into tackling global climate change or other environmental problems is not an easy task.
"There are people who disagree with what I'm doing ... within the evangelical community of America," he said.
"Simply for standing up and saying, 'Climate change is real, the science is solid, we have to care about this issue because of the impact on the poor' -why would that be controversial? Well, I'm sorry to say, it is controversial and there are people who want to take my head off."
Cizik is part of an overall ecological push by evangelical Christians known as "creation care," the notion that the environment is a divine creation and must be protected by humans.
This movement included a highly successful pitch to evangelicals to use more fuel-efficient vehicles, dubbed "What Would Jesus Drive?" The title was inspired by the popular bromide, favoured by Christians including President George W. Bush - "What Would Jesus Do?"
Cizik said, "The Bible is authoritative in our lives, in our personal actions ... that's not to say that the Bible dictates one bill or another - of course it doesn't. But it dictates stewardship of our natural resources."
Those who fail to care for the environment will face a divine reckoning, he said.
"Never mind what the voters say or do, there will be a judgment by God himself on these matters and it's a very serious consideration ... for this president, any senator, any House member, if you think about these issues in terms of what the Bible says."
When confronted with projections that half of all species may be extinct by the end of this century, Cizik sees a "biblical concern."
"God made 'em," he said of endangered species. "And He says we are to exercise a stewardship responsibility of this earth ... We're tenant-landlords and we will have to return it at some point, at the end of time, to God who made it. And are we going to return it in the condition it was made?"
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Added: Wednesday, September 27, 2006, 4:57 (BST)
It is written in Revelation that God will punish those who destroy the earth, and therefore it is correct that we are elected as stewards of creation. When it comes time, it is necessary for us to all do our part. However, as an American who does not cling to either Republican or Democrat party lines, I would add that politicians in this country use the environmental issues as leverage in elections. While the Democrats may say that they are "for the environment" and argue the need to address global warming, they nonetheless stand for social injustices of the same degree as those committed by Herod the "great" in the time of Christ and Pharoah in the time of Moses. For this reason, I would advise that it is prudent for the Christian concerned about environmental issues to be educated on the science in question, and take action among themselves, rather than place any faith in a politician or their alleged political leanings.
Sheldon G. Perkins, Los Lunas, NM, USA
Added: Wednesday, September 27, 2006, 0:24 (BST)
I think Christians need to be very careful when it comes to the topic of global warming. This brings in the whole evolution theory because they say that 12000 years ago the earths temp. was such and such. Meanwhile the earth has only been around for about 6000 years. People need to do a lot of research before falling for this liberal hoax to try to control everyone. Yes God does care how we treat the earth, but he also wants us to be cautious because Satan never sleeps and therefore has tricked many people into believing that there is such a thing called global warming. I think money spent elswhere, like taking care of the needy should be way on top of the list and not this excuse to make lot's of money off of people's own ignorance. We all need to have a little more faith in God and not man.
Nettie Schmitt, Wheatley Ont. Canada
Added: Tuesday, September 26, 2006, 20:42 (BST)
This article states that "The Science is Solid," well I beg to differ with you. So far, Science is NOT solid in the realm of Global Warming. Much of the science that is displayed is the stuff that does support it, not the science that denies Global Warming or that humans are the only or sole cause of it. The earth and sun are decaying on their own, the amount that man is adding to it is nominal in comparison. Our focus SHOULD be on social issues and winning others to Christ. This earth will all be destroyed, but we will all live forever (in heaven or in hell). In other words: Save a life, not a dolphin... Animals don't get a choice between heaven and hell. In fact, they can't make choices like we can (show me a monkey who can chose between a Corvette and a Mustang with all factors considered). We DO need to care for what we are given (I do not abuse my pets or other animals, and I make sure all of their needs are met). But let me say this, 14 different species of fly's were recently added to that list... that's nothing I want to support. We need to respect nature and enjoy it, but my money will go to save a life or change a heart.
TJ, MTV, OH
Added: Tuesday, September 26, 2006, 14:24 (BST)
Its about time Christians realized this. Thank you for standing up for this important issue. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." Would those who oppose you and this initiative like to explain how they can be indifferent about the earth in this context? It is His directive to us in Genesis and throughout scripture to care for it and others. Contrary views are selfish, greedy and sinful.
I hope success for you and this initiative. I hope there is enough time.
David Espenlaub, Dallas, Texas USA
