Creation Care

Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents; it was lent to you by your children. - Kenyan proverb

To Yahweh belong earth and all it holds, the world and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1

The prophets of the Old Testament warned that humans cannot selfishly accumulate physical affluence without exploiting the created world or oppressing the poor. Today the 'prophets' talk about ecojustice - the over-consumption and misuse of the earth's provision lead to ecological crisis. Many people do not concern themselves with the limits that nature places on human behaviour. Yet these natural limits have become apparent as never before in history - the consequences of disregard are unmistakable. Nature is sending us a huge bill for our environmental debts.

A current documentary film, An Inconvenient Truth, speaks about climate change in direct relationship to how humans have been mismanaging life on earth. The title of the film is also appropriate for theological reflection. The psalmist reminds us that the earth is God's. As for the inconvenience - we (Christians in Canada) need to change our commodity-driven lifestyles in order to reduce the harm our 'footprints' are causing creation and future generations. As people of faith, we are accountable to God for the use and abuse of the created order. This is inconvenient truth.

Sometimes global issues seem overwhelming. What can we as concerned Christians do to be a witness to the care of God's creation? Check out some local suggestions, explore the resources listed below, check the calendar for events that provide opportunities to explore action further. For more conversation, contact Jon Nofziger at our office.

 

Actions for the Environment:

• Walk/bike/bus instead of driving to school or work.
• Conduct a Bible study with a creation-care lens.
• Write a meditation or poem.
• Take up birdwatching.
• Buy locally grown food and products with minimal package
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Critically reflect on consumer advertising.
• Turn down the thermostat by 5 degrees C for night.
• Encourage government to support international agreements to protect the environment.
• Wash clothes with cold water, air dry when possible.
• Recycle, Reuse and use products made from recycled materials.

Do you have other ideas? Let us know how you are acting for the environment and we'll post your story/idea on our website. Contact Jon Nofziger at peace@mccbc.com or contact us by mail: MCC BC Box 2038 Abbotsford, BC V2T 3T8

 

Click here! To explore these environmental issues:

http://mcc.org/respub/occasional/132.html

www.creationcare.org

www.christiansandclimate.org/statement

http://100milediet.org

www.pembina.org

www.onelesstonne.ca  

www.climatecrisis.net

http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org

www.mcc.org/careforcreation