It seems like (in America at least) that the capitalistic desire to consume, consume, consume has often been justified with:
Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Does this command by god to go and take and use whatever you want on the planet, without consequences, explain why resources run out and animals go extinct?
2006-07-14 04:58:29 · 8 answers · asked by Biggest Douche in the Universe 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Only the sciences in their purest form and much philosophy can make you realize that the Earth and all of its inhabitants from the simplest to the most complex play a vital role in the existence of all.
Yahweh worship puts everything else below man and gives man dominion over it.
Hopefully we will grow out of it one day.
2006-07-14 05:02:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
First...America does indeed take more and WASTE more than any other country in the world. Second...It isn't driven by Judeo-Christian anything it's driven by the Greed and Avarice of most Americans. Let me ask you this though...Is America contributing to overpopulation...No it is not, I submit that if those countries that do in fact contribute to overpopulation would STOP procreating that they'd increase their material situation by virtue of the fact that there would be fewer mouths to feed and fewer homes needing "luxuries". Animals have been going extinct without America's help for all of time. Resources are finite and I already acknowledged that America is wasteful of them...but they are finite and have been being depleted by the WORLD and not just America. PEACE!
2006-07-14 12:27:08 · answer #2 · answered by thebigm57 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, part of it is human nature. God gave mankind the task of tending. That doesn't mean just taking out of it, but also replenishing it. The reason it doesn't work all that well, is that we live under a curse. Part of that curse involves the earth not producing as well for us. (Genesis 3) Part of it is disobedience, and not remembering God in all of it.
God did mention this issue to the Israelites when they were in the desert. " Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage..." (Deuteronomy 8:11-14)
Israel's history does show that there are cycles like this. When a nation becomes prosperous, they forget God. In the northern kingdom of Israel, Amos the prophet looked at the wealthy and prophesied, "Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, that oppress the poor, that crush the needy, that say to their lords, Bring us drinks!" They had no concerns whatsoever, and indulged in anything their hearts' desired.
Look at Europe today. These nations, many of them with the cross as a focal point on their flags, have become veritable dens of iniquity. All kinds of lasciviousness abounds there. Why? They became prosperous, and forgot God. Churches in Europe are poorly attended.
So, it's not the command of God that is faulty, but our sinful nature applying the command properly that is.
2006-07-14 12:24:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not exactly. judaism also provides for laws regarding the resting of the soil and the humane treatment of animals, and the planning for the future by not depleting resources. but if you want to take just one verse and build your argument around it, that's fine too
2006-07-14 12:02:15 · answer #4 · answered by rosends 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to your 1st question is " Yes... maybe". It depends on to what tradition you are refering.
The answer to the question in the text is "No." You are misinterpretting, whether purposely or not, what the Word of God has written there.
2006-07-14 12:06:03 · answer #5 · answered by Bud 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people are just bastards, like George W. Bush.
2006-07-14 12:02:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah sure, and freewill has nothing to do with it either. Or basic human greed.
2006-07-14 12:01:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't we all
2006-07-14 12:01:07 · answer #8 · answered by Linda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋