Please forgive this serious question...who saw the PBS show about Christian environmentalists?

Question

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/moyersonamerica/green/index.html

Bill Moyers 'Moyers on America' series episode 'Is God Green?'...there is quite a schism in the Evangelical circles concerning environmental policies and attitudes. Frankly I was delighted to see some Christians finally waking up. Anyone else see this?

Christians? What are your attitudes about your 'dominion over the Earth'?

I loved the part when a 'Bush Christian' said we Hurricane Katrina people had it coming to us. So compassionate.

But what does 'dominion' actually mean? Care take or exploit?

Answer 1

The people highlightes in the show are breaking ranks with the 'Dominionists', who think that the earth is here for their pleasure and use. They also think that global warming and other environmental issues aren't important because Jesus will be coming back to destroy the world within the next 50 years. Christian 'Dominionists' (Reconstructionalists, Theonomists) have largely usurped the local level political apparatus of the Republican Party, and are engaged in a sub rosa process to politically motivate moderate Christians under the false cover of religious issues such as morality and family values, under cover of front organizations like the Christian Coalition, the American Family Association and the Promise Keepers. The goal is nothing less than the takeover of all elective offices in the USA.

Their doctrine comes from the Bible, starting with the term 'dominion' at Genesis 1:28... “And God said unto them, [Adam and Eve] Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have DOMINION… over every living thing.” They interpret DOMINION as: “... a supremacy in determining and directing the actions of others or in governing politically, socially, or personally.”

They want to remake the USA as a theocracy... and they are succeeding.

Its most common form, Dominionism, represents one of the most extreme forms of Fundamentalist Christianity thought. Its followers, called Dominionists, are attempting to convert the laws of United States so that they match those of the Hebrew Scriptures. They intend to achieve this by using the freedom of religion in the US to train a generation of children via home-schooling and in private Christian religious schools. See: JESUS CAMP http://www.apple.com/trailers/magnolia/jesuscamp/trailer/ Later, their graduates will be charged with the responsibility of creating a new Bible-based political, religious and social order. One of the first tasks of this order will be to eliminate religious choice and freedom. Their eventual goal is to achieve the "Kingdom of God" in which much of the world is converted to Christianity. They feel that the power of God's word will bring about this conversion. No armed force or insurrection will be needed; in fact, they believe that there will be little opposition to their plan. People will willingly accept it. All that needs to be done is to properly explain it to them.

All religious organizations, congregations etc. other than strictly Fundamentalist Christianity would be suppressed. Nonconforming Evangelical, main line and liberal Christian religious institutions would no longer be allowed to hold services, organize, proselytize, etc. Society would revert to the laws and punishments of the Hebrew Scriptures. Any person who advocated or practiced other religious beliefs outside of their home would be tried for idolatry and executed. Blasphemy, adultery and homosexual behavior would be criminalized; those found guilty would also be executed. There are two conservative Christian pastors in Texas who have advocated the execution of all Wiccans.

By failing to openly confront this insidious agenda, we have sown the seeds of our own destruction, while these religious wing-nuts are paving the way to Armageddon with gleeful anticipation.

"Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder." ~ Arnold Toynbee

http://www.religioustolerance.org/reconstr.htm
http://www.yuricareport.com/Dominionism/HistoryOfReconstructionMovement.html
http://www.yuricareport.com/Dominionism/Clarkson_RiseOfDomionism.html

Answer 2

I saw it last night and was also delighted. Reverend Richard Cizik has my utmost respect, a true Christian if there ever was one.

Although I do not worship any deity, I can still have an opinion about humanity's "species blinders" when it comes to their so-called entitlement over "dominion of the Earth." Such entitlements are self serving and, as in the examples given in the program about the coal mining slurry that has affected the groundwater and tap water in peoples' homes, it is a cruel joke that people who profess to love their creator would spoil His Creation by polluting it.

I wish Reverend Cizik all the best and Godspeed in the growth of his flock. An intelligent, caring man that is not afraid to stand up to politics.

Answer 3

Conservative Presbyterians have been environmentalists for a long time. I read a lot of reformed theology about dominion being stewards of the earth (and culture). I've also studied with Catholics who work on similar issues. I have a few books on Christianity and environmentalism and know a few of the scholars.

I think the barrier is not Christianity, but the sector of Christians burried into corporate life. It is also an American spirit of unlimited consumption, as well.

Have you read Wendell Berry? He is probably the most famous ecological philososphers living today. He lives in Kentucky on a farm but he has taught at many Ivy League schools. He is Presbyterian.

His most famous work is The Unsettling of America. But here is a link to one of his essays. I bet you like it.
http://www.oriononline.org/pages/om/02-3om/Berry.html

Here is an article about Christian ecology that is 17 years old.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/library/1989_January_February/Christian_Ecology

Answer 4

I planned to watch it and something else came up.

The rule ought to be be, if you use it, replace it, for that is the full cost to all of us, now and in the future. It you have a utility generating excess CO2, then, add to the cost, the cost of remediation. Otherwise, future generations have to pay for it.

From a Christian standpoint, one should be a good steward, first and foremost. If I live such that my children are worse off, or their children's children, I have lived selfishly, and did not pay my own way.

Whether you are Christian, another religion, or no religion. We human have taken dominion over the world. It is in our interest not to destroy the world. Thus, this issue is a political issue, and needs to be addressed by leaders with courage, that will take an unpopular position.

Answer 5

We used to attend a church where the pastor condemned care for the environment from the pulpit. He said that the only concern of his church is the salvation of people - not the environment. It saddens me to look around at fellow Christians and see many of them equate care for the environment as liberal nonsense. The fact of the matter is that God did give us this earth as our home and it seems so illogical and irresponsible to not take care of it.

On the flip side, I do know many Christians who are outspoken environmentalists. I'm encouraged seeing their actions in the community.

Answer 6

Everyone should have listened to the American Indians when they said "The Earth is our Mother, and no one can posses her"

The Christians at that time should have remembered "Thou shalt not steal"..Here is my advice for Christians... Respect the Earth and worship on an Indian Reservation and then give your tidings to them, not your closed circle of religious aristocrats.

Answer 7

We are suppose to take care of it. God put man in charge over the animals and the earth.

Answer 8

The scripture is pretty plain about it

Genesis 1:26-28 (King James Version)

26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

28And 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.
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Its about stewardship. god expects you to be good stewards of his blessings. dominion has to come with responsibility.

Answer 9

Oh, no you don't, lady! We'll have NONE of this 'serious question' stuff!!!

:-)

Answer 10

I missed it. I'm sure it was entertaining.