At the other end of the debate you find people who would ridicule any hint that there is a godly dimension to sustainability. Some others in this wing would even frown, bark and willing to bite anyone who dares to add another hard-to-define variable to this complex equation.
So what's your opinion? Is there a place for God in this? Is the idea of cyclical world compatible with God? Should religion address the issue of sustainability?
First of all, I would like to state that personally I am very comfortable with the idea of a creator. The process, duration, and other details of creation is a different matter all together not intended for discussion here. I also have due respect to all people of different religious backgrounds, as well as those who are yet to reconcile with the idea of a supreme being. My opinion is that wherever you stand, you should be able to contribute to this discussion. As someone with a Christian upbringing, I am only familiar with what is written in the Bible. I am sure others can make their own references. For my understanding of sustainability please see my previous posting
To my devout friend, I would like to start with the creation account in Genesis.
Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water...
Let the land produce vegetation...
Let there be lights...and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days...
Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly...etc
From the above we can see God's purpose for our earth. If our actions lead to the right opposite intention such as destruction of biodiversity, flooding, and irregular seasons, are we not rebelling against God? Further down the line God ordered man to fill the earth and subdue it. Again we see we have been given full control over the earth. Note that this was before any mention of worship, prayer or fasting. Our utmost duty is to protect God's creation including our fellow humans.
The Bible apart, there are so many astonishing aspects of our human nature and the natural world that testify and consolidate the fact that sustainability was borne in mind. Take our body as an example, we are made to be rechargeable. Just as we leave our mobile phones overnight to recharge, our bodies fall asleep to replenish itself. Our stomach is an anaerobic digester and when we die we are biodegradable. I am sure the list is endless. Are we not then obliged to replicate and emulate this pattern and principle while going about our own creation process?
If you agreed with my previous posting regarding the need to return the earth we have borrowed from our children with interest, then I am sure you would like the lesson portrayed in the parable of talents (Mattew 25: 14-30). The servant was rebuked not for losing his talent but returning it without any interest. This is a lesson for us all!
Once again as Michael Jackson put it:
Make it a Better Place
For You and For Me
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| Peace Be With You. And Also With Me. |
never thought of myself being biodegradable :)
ReplyDeleteThere is no dilemma here. Are not all intertwined? We (the earth, inhabitants, God – or whatever term is wished to be used) exist as a whole organism in which all actions, thoughts, intentions have an effect on others / the earth.
ReplyDeleteI believe when things come out of balance there is a natural regulating force that will bring back in to balance that which is missing. Whether this happens through something beyond our human control or whether it is something we are able to assist varies depending upon our level of conscious understanding and willingness to act upon any given problem in hand.
Good luck with your blog Chris!