What do you think of pastors talking about global warming?
By blondbat
@blondbat (503)
United States
May 22, 2007 12:04pm CST
I was reading a few articles about the death of Rev. Falwell this morning. the good reverend is a discussion or 10 all on his own, so I won't go there now.
What I do want to ask is what you think about the trend of religious leaders in the US and elsewhere speaking out about non-traditionally religious issues - global warming, environment, etc.
I don't find this at all out of line. Although I do not recall the exact chapter and verse in the Bible, I do seem to recall God telling us we need to be good stewards of this planet He created, treating it with care and respect. It does appear we have not done such a good job at that.
Now, I am not going to go into an enviromental debate, although I probably have some unpopular views on that issue. Do you think that pastors, reverends, etc that speak about these *non-core* religious issues are doing the right thing or not?
3 people like this
7 responses
@maildumpster (3815)
• United States
22 May 07
Global warming .. Ok I can cope with ministers talking about that. There are lines that should be drawn.
I remember sitting in church during the whole Clinton/Monica ordeal. He was cutting Clinton to shreds. I sat there and prayed that God would help people realize that Monica was not innocent in the whole situation. The following week the pastor recanted and put the blame on both of them.
It gets crazy honestly. When I go to church I want to hear God's word; not politics. Does that make sense?
2 people like this
@blondbat (503)
• United States
22 May 07
That makes perfect sense! IMHO, there are some areas and statements that no religious leader should get into. At least in the US, there is a reason for the separation of church and state. I would like to keep it that way. Just one of the many things that makes me crazy about pro-choice vs. pro-life. Don't let me go there now hehehe.
There is a place for religion and belief and faith, but leader-bashing is not that place. The thing I find amusing about all of this is that the religious leaders who DO talk about this issue and others are taking flak from other religious leaders, saying it's not their place to have an opinion on these issues. WTF!
If I can recall a verse that states we are given stewardship of this planet in the Bible, don't you think that those who represent God know this passage as well, or should know it? God created this planet, and is probably pretty pissed off at what we've done with/to his handiwork. Among other things I'm sure ((okay, there's another discussion in the making)).
There are many other issues that the religious *right* and the *moral majority* have either kept silent on or outright condemn that really bugs me, this is just one. Their stand on many of those issues seems to run contrary to what I thought I remembered being said in the Bible.
Geez, I guess I am going to have to get on the *read the Bible in a year* plan again - 'cause I don't believe what I hear coming from some religious leaders came from the Bible. It's not the Bible *I* remember reading all those years ago!!!
1 person likes this
@maildumpster (3815)
• United States
22 May 07
There's a great site where you can look up bible stuff. They even have a topical search.
www.biblegateway.com
I use it often.
@LouisJ (488)
• Turkey
22 May 07
Well, if it be true that you read such a verse in the Bible, then you have this answer already? I believe people/preachers should do whatever it is that God requires them to do. Preaching should be including all God's creation, not only about us? Just my humble opinion:)
@blondbat (503)
• United States
22 May 07
Sometimes, just because it is written in the Bible doesn't mean much. There are many articles being written recently about some leaders saying that other leaders who are vocally concerned about these *social* issues are stepping out of line and the areas in which they should be concerned.
What I remember being written in the Bible doesn't affect the arguements on this btwn the leaders. What do you think about these arguements?
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
23 May 07
I personaly feel like there are many popular religious people who are getting very involved in politics. It is a little disturbing to me to see some one who is supposed to be so close to god and is spreading his word to men, to be involved in such heated political debates. I feel like religious leaders should speak softly and be kind examples. Shouldnt they be talking about religion and leave politics to the polititians?
@LadyMooreSabb (335)
• United States
23 May 07
Well honestly the bible itself speaks of the changes in nature and the environment in the last days and I see it as confirmation of the word of God coming to pass. In the book of Revlation as the vials are opened we see the great destruction taking place. Granted they may not be in the right context of a preachers sermon but they are definitely signs of the times and the destruction that man has brought upon himself.
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
22 May 07
...sure.. long's it doesn't become the central theme of his teaching.. as anything on the throne with Jesus, is an idol, no matter how good it is..
The Book of Revelation talks about "those destroying the earth" (and how they will come to destruction.. i.e all untrue things will vanish..
And also the Book of Revelation has environmental woes.. the blowing of the first four trumpets are all environmental.. [So are the final bowls, but I think those are thermo nuclear] -- Also! extreme capitalism, along with extreme socialism are both also in the Book of Revelation and it's not complimentary to either..
