(4 min read)
As thousands gathered to have their weather predictions dictated by a rodent - it did not come as much of a surprise that Punxatawney Phil could not see his shadow.
An early Spring didn't come as a shock. With a nearly snowless December, and very mild January. Winter in New England seems to be losing its bite!
Yet, a warming climate is only one aspect we will face as our climate changes. Churches can’t turn a blind eye to what is no longer predictions, theories, or a politicized debate. Climate change is visible to all of us - whether it is a headline on our phones or a strangely warm day in February. The church has a biblical mandate to not only care for creation - but the least of these as well. So why should the church care about climate change?
Rethinking our placement in Genesis
When God portrays Himself in scripture we see him as a Prince, a Lord, and a Master. Yet, God also chooses to be a gardener. He chooses to begin creation with a garden and a mandate to care for the earth. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15 The reason churches should care for creation is plain - God tells us to! But that is not all we see in the creation story.
See, when God creates the earth there is a clear order:
- Light
- Atmosphere/Vault
- Ground and plants
- Sun, moon, and stars
- Birds and sea creatures
- Land animals and humans (us!)
It is tempting to read this order and decide, rightfully, that we are the pinnacle of God’s creation. However, Richard Baukham has pointed out that humans are also reliant on all of the things created before us.
While humans are the pinnacle of God’s creation, we also stand on a long list of things that we need to live. Baukham observed that this large scaffolding we stand on should encourage us, but also humble us. Much of creation does not rely on humans, rather the opposite. It would help us then to be humble and acknowledge that the Earth does not revolve around us, and if we like our place on the scaffolding--perhaps we should have more reverence for the ground we stand on.
Climate Action is loving your neighbor
We also need to acknowledge that by not addressing and taking action on climate change - we are not obeying the greatest commandment. To love our neighbors and “the least of these” as ourselves.
Katherine Hayhoe, a climate scientist and evangelical Christian, has noted that those who contribute the least to climate change are affected the most by it. People in the poorest parts of the world experience some of the worst effects of climate change despite being responsible for much less of the pollution that causes it. Meanwhile wealthier nations can better protect and recover from the damages that they have disproportionately contributed to.
Hayhoe speaks of a perfect example on how to love our neighbor; the story of Solar Sister.
"Solar Sister is a nonprofit whose goal is to support rural women in creating their own clean energy businesses. When they visited Gladys’s community in 2016, she signed up immediately. She’d never heard of solar before, she said, but now she sells solar lights across the region: mostly to women, but some men, too. Solar lanterns quickly pay for themselves as they don’t need to be powered by batteries. And they replace kerosene lamps, which can spark fires and generate indoor air pollution that can cause respiratory disease. This business helps Gladys support her growing family, which now includes seven grandchildren, and Gladys is only one of ninety-four entrepreneurs in her region. Together they have reached 1.2 million people across Tanzania with clean energy, based on a business model that empowers women."
When Christians speak of serving the least of these, loving our neighbors, and helping the vulnerable - addressing the climate crisis cannot be left out of the conversation.
Moving beyond learning to action
So what can we do? As Christians we are called to “do” as well as to “know.” Below are some simple ways we can help to address and act on the Climate Crisis
- Learn. We can educate ourselves through the resources cited below. Theologically Richard Bauckham is a great resource for biblical rootedness with an ecological framework. Katherine Hayhoe is an incredibly prolific scientist and author. She tackles addressing climate change as an Evangelical. Further reading listed below:
- Saving Us by Katherine Hayhoe
- The Bible and Ecology by Richard Bauckham
- Talk. We can talk about it! Talking about the reality of our changing climate with our friends and family encourages us to naturally come up with solutions.
Community organization. Getting involved in our local communities is an incredible way to act. Volunteering at local urban or community gardens, or if your town does not have one starting your own! Reach out to your local township and ask them what they are doing on behalf of climate change, if they have a team that is acting in the community, and consider joining them. - Personal Change. It might seem difficult, but we can all make changes that ease the effects of climate change. Consider eating less meat, try out composting, or if you are able - look into renewable energy for your home.
- Systemic Change. While personal change is important, the bulk of our impact will come from changing the world at large. Call your local representatives and advocate for more climate friendly policies. It also involves reaching out to our officials, and demanding we call a climate emergency.
Climate Doom?
It can be scary talking about things like Climate Change. But God has not called us to a spirit of fear, but one of courage emboldened by love. Climate doom actually slows the progress of addressing climate change. This is why radical hope, which is a uniquely Christian trait, will help us to save our world, in more ways than one.
If you’re interested in learning more about Grace Chapel or coming to visit us, feel free to reach out to our Connections Pastor, Dom Bronico, at
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