Derf
Well-known member
If the bible gives wisdom for all occasions, then it should be able to handle this:
Let's say, for argument's sake, that Global Climate change is a fact, and that it is caused by humans.
What then should we as Christians do about it? I'll suggest up front that while some of the secular proposals are feasible, and some not so much, there are consequences that also demand biblical consideration.
Here's a for-instance:
Let's say that one of the problems causing warming is cooking/warming fires (this can be applied to more or less modern cooking and heating devices), and the carbon dioxide and pollution both create conditions that contribute in some way to the warming, but they are necessary for people to survive, supposedly. Thus, if we outlaw or severely limit such fires, we run the risk of starving some people, or exposing them to cold, or causing them to to have to drink unsanitary water, or whatever. On the other hand, if we do nothing, some people are likely to lose their homes or their lives because of the effects of global warming/climate change. Thus we face the problem of not loving our neighbor in either case.
Consider the following from a biblical standpoint (and there are likely other things that will need to be added to this list as we go forward):
What should we be doing????
Let's say, for argument's sake, that Global Climate change is a fact, and that it is caused by humans.
What then should we as Christians do about it? I'll suggest up front that while some of the secular proposals are feasible, and some not so much, there are consequences that also demand biblical consideration.
Here's a for-instance:
Let's say that one of the problems causing warming is cooking/warming fires (this can be applied to more or less modern cooking and heating devices), and the carbon dioxide and pollution both create conditions that contribute in some way to the warming, but they are necessary for people to survive, supposedly. Thus, if we outlaw or severely limit such fires, we run the risk of starving some people, or exposing them to cold, or causing them to to have to drink unsanitary water, or whatever. On the other hand, if we do nothing, some people are likely to lose their homes or their lives because of the effects of global warming/climate change. Thus we face the problem of not loving our neighbor in either case.
Consider the following from a biblical standpoint (and there are likely other things that will need to be added to this list as we go forward):
- God gave man dominion over His creation.
- God made man in His image (unlike any other animal or plant).
- Loving God entails love for His creation.
- Loving God entails love especially for those made in His image.
- Science is important and necessary, but isn't always right, as man is fallible.
- Biblical interpretation is important and necessary, but it also isn't always right, as man is fallible.
What should we be doing????
Spoiler
In case someone wants to know, even though it probably doesn't matter for this hypothetical approach, I think there is definitely a warming trend, but I don't know whether it is human-caused or not, and I don't know if it's a bad thing or not. Participants of the thread should feel free to explore the different sides.