Viewpoint
In today’s media-saturated America, everyone has an opinion. From Bill O’Reilly to Chris Matthews, Rush Limbaugh to Rachel Maddow – and everything in between – there is no shortage of viewpoints. But how many of those perspectives bring you back to a place of passionate, persistent prayer for the nation?
“Viewpoint” allows your Prayer Team’s talented writing team to express their opinions on the political, social and moral issues of the day. At times, you may not agree with all they have to say. But in the end, you will be energized to pray for America, with the prism of Scripture and a decidedly Godly direction as your guide. Plus, you can blog your comments to every article, have your say, and perhaps even receive a response back from the writer.
Read – then pray with an enlightened, more informed viewpoint for your nation and its leaders.
Climate Conundrum
How you view Earth stewardship is vital to the debate
by Linda Gilden
Over 40 years ago a major oil company consulted scientists around the world hoping to get a picture of the future. James Lovelock, a British scientist and inventor, declared the environment would be the biggest problem and went on to develop the “Gaia theory” of earth. This theory simply states that the Earth is a single organism, with all parts interacting with one another.
Much discussion ensued and scientists, politicians, Christians and others began to align either for or against the theory. Global warming has been a hot topic ever since, with much of the debate centering around whether or not humans are contributing to this phenomenon.
Lovelock continued questioning, as all good scientists do, and in recent years rethought his original position. Taking a step back from his alarmist status, he now admits that he doesn’t really know what the climate is doing – providing more for Christians to consider as they act and pray about the environment.
Lovelock’s newest book will be released next year and takes a milder look at climate change. He believes the release of carbon into the atmosphere is still a problem, but not as much as he previously thought.
Election year ramifications
In a recent Rolling Stone article, President Obama gives blame to the conservatives for raising doubts about climate change. As an important part of his campaign, President Obama promised that cap-and-trade legislation would be the answer to many of America’s energy woes. But cap-and-trade did not garner enough support to pass.
Republican candidate Mitt Romney has expressed concern about global warming and greenhouse gas emissions. In his 2010 book No Apology, Romney said he believes that “climate change is occurring…I also believe that human activity is a contributing factor.” But like James Lovelock, Romney’s position has changed over the last few months. Coming from a business point of view instead of a scientific one, Romney backed down from his opinion that humans were the major cause of the climate change. He now admits he is not sure whether or not man’s activity affects climate change.
Scriptural perspective
Fuel and energy have always been a concern. When the Pilgrims first arrived in this country, they used wood for heating and cooking. They were able to go into the surrounding forests and cut that day’s portion of wood. When men depleted the wood resource, they discovered whale oil, then oil in the ground.
God has always provided a way for His people to have the energy they need for survival and in return expects them to be good citizens and stewards of the natural resources He has given. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” (Psalm 24:1) You are living on borrowed soil. God has endowed humans with a beautiful Earth and given people ingenuity and creativity to find and use the natural resources needed for survival.
Biblically, Christians are trustees and mankind’s use of the Earth will end when people are gone. As demonstrated in the parables of Luke 12:41-48 and Matthew 25:14-30, the concept of good stewardship is not new. But it encourages you to carefully use the resources given “in trust” to ensure that your children and grandchildren have what they need to enjoy life here. You have a responsibility to those who will come after you to take care of the Earth.
As the election gets closer, you’re likely to hear the words global warming and climate change more often. There will be much discussion about Lovelock’s original theory and his evolving one. Though opinions on the subject differ and change, remain ever thankful for God’s bountiful provision for the United States.
Pray today for:
- American citizens to be good stewards of natural resources.
- Legislators and government officials to work together to create the best and most lasting use of energy.
- Individuals to wisely use the Earth.
- All to recognize God-given gifts of energy.
Linda Gilden is director of writing programs for CLASSeminars, Inc. She also directs two writers conferences, Carolina Christian Writers Conference and CLASS Christian Writers Conference. Linda lives in South Carolina with her family where she enjoys many of God’s natural resources.
Your Comments
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(Regarding President Obama’s position on Gay marriage)
I suppose one could go on and on about the subject of gay marriage, but; suffice it for me to say the one thing that concerns me more than his position and publicly professing his position, is for the Christian People to stand by idly and do nothing. The very reason this Nation is falling apart is because the pages of every family Bible is not.
Rev Tony Best, Law Enforcement Chaplain
Tony -
Wow. Well said.
I agree but what does this post have to do with how Christians view the environment?
what is has to do with the environment is that twenty-first American Christians are called to be judges. In their books there are only two categories of sin..so no matter how serious the situation, no productive conversation can take place until we fit the topic in its category.