[/sarcasm] oh no wait, I'm not finished.
My mind is continually blown by people who continually blame CHRISTIANITY for pollution and global warming.
Let's think about this for a moment.
Item one: Who pollutes the world?
...
Just Christians?? Are you for real?? I mean, only Christians use goods manufactured by companies that dump waste into rivers and fill the air with smog. Only Christians are part of capitalism and industry? Really?
Yes, all Christians are definitely, obviously, greedy corporate heads and vice versa. Wow. What a mind blowing theory. SERIOUS BUSINESS CONSPIRACY. Yep, it's Jesus at the head of this. I should have known!!
It's not like Christians can be naturalists. It's not like Christians can help conserve nature. Believing in Yaweh obviously impairs your ability to appreciate and want to conserve his creation. SERIOUS INTERNETS LOGIC. I see the light now! [Glory Jesus! ]
Item two: Has anyone else ever read about how there were "fanatical" Christians during the start of the Industrial Revolution who were extremely paranoid about what they saw as an oncoming machine age? Does anyone remember how they said it was a mark of the "end times" or the "end of the world?" That people were putting too much faith in themselves and their own creations? I remember I once laughed at reading that.
I find it very funny and highly fascinating that a hundred years later not only are people saying that the pollution from this machine/industry age, is causing global warming which, could lead to the eventual destruction of our world (very close to what those Christians said, no?), but furthermore, some of these people are actually blaming Christianity for this pollution.
Irony. Huh.
After all, it's not as if any Christians have ever suggested that God's creation should be protected - oh wait, I'm sorry, some have - Take the nature themes in J.R.R. Tolkien's -yes, he was a christian - Lord of the Rings, for example. I seem to remember references to the Orcs destroying the trees, etc. That's right. Whoops! How could one forget that? (Especially considering the recent reborn popularity of the series.)
[/sarcasm] Seriously this time.
I am saying that I want a little more than blame out of people. If you're going to cast stones, please don't do it in a glass house. Everyone pollutes the Earth just by breathing it's AIR. (Don't argue please, you'll just exhale more carbon monoxide.) Suggest something constructive. Suggest a method that we can change things, help nature. Do not allow yourselves to fall into deluded, self-righteous states of mind where only one group is responsible for something as widespread as POLLUTION. Are there Christians who pollute? YES. But Christians are not the only people contributing to the problem and there are christians who are trying to contribute to the solution. Some Bible verses are taken to mean that we have no responsibility whatsoever to nature, but some of the same verses point to us having all the responsibility in the world to take care of "what God has given us."
It's at the cellular level people, meaning it's about individuals. It's an individual choice to choose to work at conserving nature, not something that entire groups must choose or be responsible for, because entire groups will REFUSE to be responsible for, and it's only fair that they should. I should not be responsible for the next person's negligence whether we share a faith (something so subjective that it can hardly logically be expected for all Christians to have the SAME VIEWS ABOUT EVERYTHING, in other words a totally irrelevant similarity in light of the subject) or not.
You are so correct and think that there are so many people out there who are still looking for someone to blame other than themsleves.
Great Post!!!!!
People living in fear don’t see the benefit and beauty of nature!
So brining or restoring peace upon this planet might be the best path to follow, there is an urgent need to stop fighting one another!
This will allow us all to restore some of the damage that has been caused upon nature!
Our planet is kicking hard, but some seem to neglect this, because they are blinded by hate!
People that live in peace care about their surroundings, because it becomes of emotional matter.
I guess, the situation in Palestine would be a good place to start showing some worldwide good will in order to put effort in resolving this matter in a human way, not a religious way!
People are tired of war and the scares that accompany these religious conflicts that only bring trauma.
Time to wake up some humanity amongst us all, this might be the only way to enable us to focus upon nature!
Manny people are fed up with religion and what it brings inside our lives and homes, there are things more important than whatever religion, one of these is common sense!
We need to grow towards a future were there will no more boarders or passports, sounds crazy, but what is happening now is far more crazy than the thought of being able to go around this planet in freedom!
It is not a dream, but a choice of thought we all need to take in consideration!
Even for one second! We can carry it another hour, and maybe longer…always!
I also believe prostitutes are responsible for Global warming, they heat up to many men around this planet!!!
I have never heard of this before and never would I have made the connection between Christianity and pollution on my own.hmm interesting
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/speakonitsista
I hear the same sort of thing...that only those "right wing folks," are responsible for all the problems in the world today, that it is all George W. Bush's fault, etc. People don't want to take any responsibility for themselves, they don't want to believe that their town, the place they buy food, the clothes they buy, etc might have anything to do with pollution, child labor, the use of oil, etc.
When you do start taking a necessary look at your life and the things you do, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and to just start blaming other people. But hopefully we can all start moving past the blame, shame and guilt to slowly start changing things.
I have read a lot of Christian literature and all of the Bible and actually it seems to me that Christianity teaches environmental responsibility and a love of nature...many of the Psalms, the Song of Solomon, etc have beautiful verses praising nature...also Tolkien and another popular Christian writer (my favorite author,) C.S. Lewis wrote a lot about preserving nature....also as you mentioned, at the beginning of the industrial age lots of Christians began holding worship services in meadows and out in the woods and preached the importance of regarding and preserving nature.
Thank you for making this point..the hypocrisy of blaming an entire group for anything...it reminds me of people blaming gay families for example for the collapse of morals in America...the ludicrosity of that makes me so angry!
I guess people are just really into persecuting the Christian people. I think the Christian community in general is just a moral wagging finger. Christianity isn't about religion, or condescending attitudes, its about faith and hope, and sharing that with other people.
Maybe only the ones ripping off people with their anti-world profits? You know, the one who just 'CALL' themselves Christians. On the other hand, maybe they are waiting for level heads to find a solution, which by their standards could only come from GOD anyway?
Just a guess...
Have a great day!
I dont think I've ever heard something so crazy! Since when are Christians the blame for pollution? I wonder if there is a link between Christianity and lazy Americans. The rest of the world sees USA as a money hungry, lazy, no-good-for-nothing country that doesnt appreciate natural resources. Maybe this is where the idea comes from. Either way that was very well written and thought provoking, good job!
You know what.
The rest of the world doesn't actually see us that way. You just think they do, because you watch too much TV. And I am sick of people believing everything they are spoon-fed from the media.
Google Nicolas Sarkozy Speech (from last week).
I'd like to see your proof of other wise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlt2GE4EYo4
I believe there are many misconceptions hanging around in the minds of US citizens in regard to Europeans.
I have never come across a European that hate’s US citizens!
What is disturbing Europeans is the approach on how the US government deals with situations around the world.
One must not forget Europeans carry the same amount of concern in regard to all what is happening around, but this sadly doesn’t seem to much of a concern to the US government!
Kyoto agreement is an example of different approach, one US citizens could try to question!
It regards all living on this planet.
Thank you, Wombels.
That is an excellent point. Europeans don't hate Americans per say. Many have not forgotten what America did to save Europe in WWII. Using a blanket statement of hatred does not make it true.
The US has a lot of room to grow in the field of international politics. We can't go back to isolationism; we have a responsibility to help others, but in a less intrusive way, and while still defending against the terrorism that has been killing both Americans and Europeans for the past 3 decades. European leaders recognize this, and are trying to reach out to the current administration in the hopes of resolving international strife and working together to get rid of countries like Iran that threaten everyone.
You do realize there are other countries and people in this world besides Europe and its inhabitants…don't you?? I'd like to point out that the "super powers" of the globe arent the only ones who matter.
China is a veritable super power.
And what do you suppose they think of Americans?
I guess it would be better not to focus to much on how or what people around the globe think about the US!
It is important for the US to keep some form of arrogance or ego in place, this will make dictators and other lunatics that lead doubtful countries to think twice before engaging themselves into stupid actions.
The world is better of with the US on top than any other superpower, I believe any other superpower or even religion would eventually start up a genocide that will surpass all of our comprehension.
To keep focusing on what is important for all is the best path to follow!
Good point. The main focus of the blog isnt who is better and who is worse but my initial question was basically are people blaming Christians for pollution because they associate Christians with America and (as stated) see Americans as lazy and careless...lazy and careless because we have it made and are basically spoiled.
Actually, you are wrong. It makes me sad that you continue to perpetuate myths and accuse your fellow Americans of being lazy or spoiled, or worse, of the rest of the the world of believing that we are.
Americans aren't lazy or spoiled. Most of us work for what we've earned, and just because our society is more modernized than others doesn't mean we don't experience hardships. Others recognize this, if you watched the speech that I linked you to, and realize that what makes Americans different from other countries is that people can earn their way out of slime through hard work and dedication, and these things mean something. Whereas in some other nations, you can work as hard as you want, but if you refuse to leave and recognize there are better places, you will never get anywhere.
This is a good post. I had no idea that people are blaming Christians now for global warming and pollution. It's a new (not so new) fad now, to bash Christianity and Christians as much as possible. We are truly the outcasts.
On a side note: I don't know if anybody knows but some Christians actually aren't concerned about global warming and pollution because of what they read in Revelations. I've never read the book because I could never understand it, and if I need a scholar to explain it to me then I'd rather wait. But supposedly Christ will come back and create a new earth. And this is an excuse that some Christians use for their apathy regarding our earth. I believe one of the reasons that God placed us here (Adam in the garden) is to be stewards over the earth and to to take care of his creation. No one knows when the end will come, so it could very well come after the earth reaches it's point of no return and becomes a complete greenhouse. Who knows?
I have a question for you, no need to answer it if you don’t feel like it, all good!
If your “one” choice would become reality, what would it be?
Off course I will share what mine is, after
What do you mean? Is that question for me? I don't get it.
Yes it is, if it makes you to feel uncomfortable there is non need to answer it, all fine,
It's fine, I just don't understand completely what you're asking. Could you explain it a little more? Cause I don't get it.
I’m trying to figure out what your concern is in relation to your surroundings.
It will make me understand the content of your previous comment.
Because I don’t get it, that’s the reason why I ask you this question.
If your “one” choice would become reality, what would it be?
Again, no need to answer it, all good
My concern for my surroundings. . . . . I guess my concern for this earth is that all over we are bulldozing wild forests and building homes and complexes and strip malls. And that everywhere you go there is less and less untouched wilderness to wander in. I wonder what it must've been like for people thousands of years ago, who could wander here and there, and not be limited by roads, and gates and 'no trespass' signs.
If I had one choice or one dream to become reality I don't know what it would be. I guess my dream would be to not have to work, ever. To live a simple life where I just study, learn, read, play music, eat food, go on adventures, and enjoy life with my woman. That sounds like a good dream.
But first let me tell you my choice, my choice is never to submit, it is my personal reality that makes me ONE with my surroundings!
Thank you for your genuine answer, apart from the simple life, I know your dream very well, because to me it is life, not a simple one, but life.
Since we have more than one choice I made one just now, I have chosen to make a wish, for you ever to witness the Ngorongoro Crater, it will take your wonder, while standing right in it!
Thanks again, now I get it!
;-)