Global Warming and Christianity

For many Americans, the reality and causes of Global Warming are seen through the eyes of their religious beliefs. Some reject all scientific evidence about global warming and believe that God controls the climate; therefore, global warming must not be real, while others believe humans are the cause. There is a lot of opposition to the idea that our climate is changing and that we are responsible for it. 

There are split opinions around this topic, though most of us may agree that science is the study of God’s creation. If we genuinely believe that God created the entire universe and all forms of life and energy so we could live in it, how can we destroy his work of art? I've often thought about this while hiking in the mountains, watching the sunset over the trees, and feeling a deep sense of connection to the natural world - it's hard to imagine that our actions could be harming the very land that brings us so much joy and peace.

Global warming is not based on a “belief”; it is not an ideology you choose to believe in. We know that the climate is changing because of all the data scientists have collected over the years about climate changes and how humanity makes a great impact. The fact that God gave us brilliant minds to explore and understand His creation is what drives us to make sense of the world and find solutions to the problems we face. For instance, I recall a conversation with a friend who had been skeptical about climate change, but after seeing the devastating effects of a hurricane in her community, she began to realize the importance of taking care of our planet. He also gave us love to share with the world, particularly with those who are suffering and the vulnerable who, unfortunately, are most affected by climate changes. 

Caring for our climate and every living thing on the planet should not be looked at as being against our beliefs as Christians or against our faith. It is because we have God in our lives that we should care about our planet and about the people that live in it. God commanded us to love one another, so being concerned about the well-being of our planet is a true expression of our faith. I've seen this play out in my own community, where a local church organized a clean-up initiative along a nearby river, bringing people together to protect the environment and serve their neighbors. We cannot continue to look the other way or act like it is not a real issue. Many of us may fear that if we acknowledge the facts, we are somehow siding with those who do not share our faith or beliefs. As Christians, we cannot keep living in fear because fear doesn’t come from God but rather love and compassion for one another. In fact, I've noticed that when we focus on caring for the environment, it often brings people together across different backgrounds and beliefs, reminding us that we're all in this together.

Christians believe that the Bible determines what we believe in and, consequently, how we behave, but some issues require more in-depth evaluation such as this one. It is a fact that each and every one of us is entitled to our own opinion and our own way of viewing the world from God’s perspective. There are various questions in regards to this global issue that are yet to be answered. Just like there are large amounts of data supporting this issue; however, we must consider that it is possible that making some changes could bring great things for mankind and the earth. Let us honor God and ask him to bring clarity to this issue and help us understand the world so we can make the right decisions. We’re in a critical moment in history where we have an opportunity to change the world, and unless we keep our planet healthy, there won’t be a future. 

The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” - Revelation 11:18