Earth -- A means to an end?

Question

Do Christians care about the state of the world they leave and what the future holds for mankind.
My experience has been that the less religious one is the more he gives of himself toward saving this planet.
Is earth just a stepping stone for Christians?

Seth - is that a yes then?

Is earth a stepping stone?

If one believes that the world is coming to an end would they care about global warming for instance?

Answer 1

Do Christians merely see this earth as a trivial place in and of itself, and only a vehicle to a higher goal? Well, that depends on the type of Christians we are talking about. Many liberal Christians aren’t like this, and I know many of them that are deeply concerned about the environment. However, those who take the Bible literally, and suppose that the apocalypse is just around the corner, are quite fatalistic about our planet. They see it as a temporary refuge, that they are given divine mandate to use and abuse, at their sole discretion.

What else do you expect from a group of people who are continually admonished, from their Holy Book, and their pulpit, that this world, and all its gifts, are illusory, and meager in comparison to the bounties of the hereafter? Any, belief system that teaches such a doctrine, will naturally produce people who treat the earth cavalierly. It is the Christian dogma, that virtually vilifies the things of this world, which make those who adhere to this faith system, literally, to treat the earth as a triviality. As with so many things, religion works against the betterment of mankind and his surroundings.

Answer 2

Hi Petra. To answer the main question, as opposed to address your experience:
I think that earth must be a means to an end. There is too much injustice and suffering for this to be all there is. I have a difficult life with a great deal of tragedy and physical pain and limitation, and for all those that have big restraints, whether where they live, physical, or people responsibilities, it only makes sense that there is much more than this earth. This, however, does not justify being indifferent to the planet. Whatever the transitory nature of my life, caring about the present world is important. I believe that God is the ultimate, and I can only do my best to try and hear him each day to make the most of what I have and contribute as best I can to others.

Answer 3

Most Christian theologies include a belief in an end-times armageddon in which the Earth will be destroyed and replaced by God with heaven on earth after the Apocalypse. So why would they care about the planet?

Besides, if God were unhappy about the state of the planet, isn't it within his power to clean it up?

Answer 4

This attitude is typical of religions that seek their reward after this life. It means that they don't care if they dump on this place.
The officials of those religions profit from the desire to escape into a more glorious reality.

Don't feel loved? Just buy this potion.


Oh to the lonely, and the sad
Do not strive here for perfection
This place is not you, you are not bad
I will give you a hope direction
Just follow me toward eternal joy
perfect bodies, unending delection
Unhook your mind, let it be my toy.

Answer 5

We see and awful lot of right wing evangelicals decrying reports of global warming. I have heard them say that only God has the power to destroy the Earth.... and there will be a new earth anyhow. Evidence Moosemose below, typical example.

Answer 6

I would hope that U would read the book of Revelation where it tells Us that Christ will be the one who Destroyes the World & Nothing we can do will destroy it. Many, (Mostly Greedy Industry) are so concerned about their "Lust for $$$", that they put aside the Fact that We were in Charge of "Keeping" this Earth in good shape. But Please Don't Buy Into the Al Gorebasims as to People causing "Global Warming" "Greenhouse Gasses" bullschlitz, as it just ain't True!!! Believe Scripture not the Lies of Ignorant Men!!! John

Answer 7

i never heard any christian talk about loving earth never mind saving it, i dont think its a priority in the bible so yes earth is a step stone so the rest of us have to work harder to make it better for our great grand babies

Answer 8

A person can be a concerned environmentalist and a devout Christian at the same time, wouldn't ya know it...

Answer 9

Good question. Why would they care since their god is going to destroy everything anyway.

Answer 10

my lady they are the ones driving around the huge SUVs polluting at will with their spoiled brats at bay