“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”—C.S. Lewis
The other day, a friend shared the above quote except as: “Global warming, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” It was pointed out that (as quoted) it was not a CS Lewis quote. As well, it was noted of the Christian teaching that God will replace with a new heaven and new earth. My friend found this view a bit scary—and rightfully so.
I believe that God will replace with a new heaven and new earth, but I also believe that the subsequent attitude among many, if not most, evangelicals is that we therefore do not have to worry about the environment. Worse is the idea that we can actually hasten Christ’s return by letting the world take its course. John’s “Revelation”, after all, paints a picture of “wars and rumors of wars”, etc. at the end of times. I believe Jesus message emphasizes stewardship—caring for our world. It may very well be that it is the responsibility of Jesus followers, themselves, to bring the “new heaven and earth.”
There is too much going on in our world to sit back and wait for the “new heaven and earth.” We, individual and collectively, need to act. It isn’t just global warming or the fact that whether or not carbon emissions are the source (in my opinion, it is a revelation that fossil fuels are a limited resource and we will run out). It is also the increasing rifts of division that are separating people, the sense of entitlement, the social isolation, and all the other growing problems that are plaguing humankind—and all of creation. We need to act in a positive fashion to make a “new heaven and earth”.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!