Why are many Christians unconcerned about environmental issues?

Question

I am not looking for Christian bashing answers! I am a Christian and feel a deep commitment to the enviroment. However I feel that I am the exception, as many other Christians I know don't feel strongly about the issue.

Answer 1

Some time back on some MSN boards, I posted the question: "Do You Care to Save the Planet." I observed a marked difference between the religious answers and the atheist/agnostic ones. Or... to be far more specific, the Christians were more consistently unconcerned than non-Christians.

SOME Christians did look at a responsibility for "stewardship" of the planet as reflected in the story of Eden -- that God made the offspring of Adam accountable for spreading the abundance of Eden across the earth.

A very large proportion, however, had the attitude of those who've already posted here, namely, that God's letting happen to the planet what he wants to happen... that nothing they can do will make a lick of difference...

I will say, for the Jehovah's witnesses, they were told they were responsible. There's usually an annual clean-em-up edition of the Awake magazine that demonstrates housecleaning techniques and points out standards of sanitation. They're told not to litter and to keep their surroundings neat and orderly. Generally they wouldn't participate in non-witness conservation activities because that would take away valuable time from their "kingdom work," but I wouldn't say it was impossible for some of them. Of course, they also believe that some of them are going to live through an Armageddon that's "just around the corner," and that most of them will continue to live on the earth after that, so they are more connected than most Christian denominations that believe they're all going to heaven. (There are some, however, who hold similar views to the JWs about life on earth as well.)

So there are some Christians who do care.

On the other hand, pagans, Buddhists, agnostics and atheists were much more involved responders. The Wiccan theme of "harm none" goes as far as the environment as well. They will go off into the forest and camp in a peaceful place, and when they leave, nothing is out of place. Many others attribute their existence and sustenance to the planet and/or to the universe, regardless of how it came into existence. To help sustain the environment is to sustain oneself.

How could we not care?

[Edit: Oh look. Someone's invoked Hitler again. Sheesh.]

Answer 2

I do think many are concerned, in my opinion perhaps overly concerned. It is not my calling; however, if it is yours then God bless you. Just try not to be fooled by the non-Christian enviros; did you know that they put up abortion as a solution to enviro problems? Also, remember that whenever public policy is put into place regarding environmental issues, there are poor who suffer; and who end up moving to places even more polluted. We need balance. I am not saying, "don't be concerned" but I am suggesting look at the big picture. I am nearly 50 yrs old; and as I see it the environment in the USA has gone from so - so to excellent. I have spent the past 7 yrs in and out of Thailand and have seen the environment dramatically improve; thanks to many factors, brought on, in both countries, by environmental pressure. Okay so good! But, for me, however, my call is to the urban poor. I see them suffer at the hands of the elite who can afford higher gas prices, etc. And finally remember there will be a new earth; and this one is passing away. And above all, remember teh gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important thing you can ever give someone; far more valuable than a clean environment!

Answer 3

Maybe many Christians recognize how the environmental issues has become the rally cry of those who seek to control and rule others under the guise of saving the planet.

All despots use some topic as a rallying point. Hitler blamed all Germany's problems on the Jews, and all of Germany rallied behind him. Other despots have used fear of other countries, claiming they desire to overthrow them and subjugate them in order to rally the people. They have to produce a cause, and they have to produce an enemy in order to bring people under their control and influence.

The environment is more resilient than they let on, but this doesn't help their purpose.

Remember the movie, "The Music Man"? He wanted to sell instruments to the people of a small town. He uses the pool table as a rallying point, claiming it is a bad influence on the youth, and having them learn to play instruments will solve the problem.

These "leaders" who are concerned with the environment seek to limit what America can produce, which they claim produces a level of pollution beyond our representation in the world, so that this can be used as an excuse to allow developing nations produce and pollute more, with us polluting less so as to "equal out" everything.

It's all pretty clever, and not all see through it all, but it is historically classic in it's application.

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Answer 4

Well, I think it is part of our job from the garden of eden until
now!
However, in the focus on global warming, there are problems!
It is a distraction of our efforts.
The pro-life issues are more important to look at, for example.
Also, the global warming issue itself is a little off.
People are not looking at the global warming that is occuring
on neighboring planets - the sun itself is going through a phase!
There are prioirties to deal with.
God said to expect strange weather patterns!
We should balance our focus on earthly things
and the things of eternity.
Both are important!

Answer 5

I too am a Christian. God put the earth in our care. Some will say it is worshipping the created instead of the Creator.
I disagree. We are to take care of it just as we are to take care of our selves - besides most (if not all) of the manmade pollution is caused by things created by MAN which is putting man's creation before God's.

Answer 6

If your christian you would believe in Creation.
Revelations 11:18 ....god will bring to ruin those ruining the earth.
If god did create the earth then would he not have the power to repair it ?
Mind you you should respect and look after the earth as it is a gift from god

Answer 7

Because if we show too much concern for the enviroment, then we would be worshipping the creation rather than the Creator.

We are called to be good stewards of everything....the enviroment included. But that doesn't mean we lose sleep over the petty issues....this world is not our permanent home anyway.

Answer 8

because it does not say in the book if revelation that global warming is going to happen. and as we are safe in God we do not need to be frightened. yes we can take care of our environment and be responsible. because we are to subdue the earth. and teaching the gospel and telling others about this awesome God we have is more important.

Answer 9

I guess because they think Jesus will be back tomorrow, so it's not a big deal what happens. I think Jesus would tell them to take care of their home.

Answer 10

Well, because if "God made it so" all we can do is to sit and watch how everything comes to its own demise.