Faith-based objections to climate change realities are often grounded in a theological understanding of humankind's inability to manipulate the world. As climate denying senator, James Inhofe suggests, 'some people are so arrogant to think that they are so powerful that they can change climate.' However, according to Max Aplin's article, Christians Should Take Warnings of Climate Change Very Seriously, Biblical scripture contends otherwise.
Acts 2:23 and 4:27-28 depicts the crucifixion of Jesus; an event that while part of God's plan could not have happened without humankind's involvement. When analyzing this story, it becomes impossible to suggest that worldly events are entirely the act of God - they require the involvement of humankind. Similarly, some climate change denying Christians believe that weather related disasters are entirely an act of God.
Through a closer reading of the scripture however, we see in Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:39 and Luke 8:24, Jesus rebukes storms; implying that God put into place the elements that comprise weather, but does not necessarily determine the phenomena of their happenings.
It is time for faith leaders to shed the way of thinking that fosters feelings of helplessness or lack of involvement in God's plan. We are participants; granted free will to decide what to do with His creation. If we neglect that responsibility, we are not only displeasing Him, we are derailing the tremendous blessing of creation.
For more on Aplin's theological argument for protecting God's creation, read his article below.
Christians Should Take Warnings of Climate Change Very Seriously
By Max Alpin for Christian Article Bank
Over the last two or three hundred years, human beings have taken countless billions of tons of coal, oil and gas from underground and have burned it. Today, the overwhelming majority of climate scientists tell us that doing this has caused an increase in the number and intensity of droughts, floods and storms in the world. They tell us too that unless we significantly reduce the amount that we burn these fuels, we can expect the number and intensity of these weather events to continue to increase.
I believe strongly that there is nothing whatever that is unchristian about these claims and that they should be taken with the utmost seriousness. Droughts, floods and storms often cause widespread death and devastation, especially in the poorer parts of the world. If these climate scientists are right, as I am almost certain they are, we should definitely aim to do something about this. Even if we were to conclude that they are only probably right, we should still aim to follow their advice, since the stakes are so high.
