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The Greening of the SBC (Part II)
Posted by Geoff Baggett in Uncategorized
As I was saying yesterday…
I suppose my biggest issue with this “Declaration” is centered upon its purpose. Why make such a statement? Why a “declaration?” Why signatures? Why such a big deal? Why did it get released to every major national news outlet? Why the efforts to make the SBC look hip and “green?”
I think the answer lies within the declaration itself …
“We believe our current denominational engagement with these issues have often been too timid, failing to produce a unified moral voice. Our cautious response to these issues in the face of mounting evidence may be seen by the world as uncaring, reckless and ill-informed. We can do better.”
It seems that some are simply worried about what the global warming adherents in the world thinks of us. Perception is the real issue. We don’t want to appear to be stupid. We don’t want to look and sound like a bunch of ignorant, southern (Baptist) rednecks. Indeed, perception is all-important in this day in which we live. Not that concern about perception is bad … we all make daily ministry decisions while considering how others will perceive those decisions. But we rarely make a habit out of writing a public declaration regarding each of our decisions and landing them in the national press.
I’m sure that the organizers of this initiative and declaration had and continue to have the purest and most sincere of good intentions. I do not fault them their intentions. Many similar, well-intentioned environmental ideas are birthed in the thought chambers of our urban Starbucks, with a latte in hand (hey … don’t they realize how much water vapor … the ultimate greenhouse gas … is released in the steaming of that venti cup of milk?), while waves of atmosphere-depleting internal combustion automobiles stream through the drive-thru.
But what do the proponents of this particular initiative actually want us to do? Dr. Al Mohler asked young Mr. Merritt that question point-blank in a recent interview on his radio show. The response was, basically, that they didn’t have any specific actions for us to take. It seems they just want us to become part of the dialog … to talk about it … to join the conversation. But talk is, often times, cheap. And common sense tells us that we cannot yell, “Fire!” in a crowded movie house, then say, “Hey, let’s just dialog about the fire… let’s have a fire discussion.” Just making a public statement and adding names to it is not action. So, what’s the ultimate point? I think that, for the most part, declarations and petitions tend to make us feel better … like we’re really doing something … when we’re really not.
Do I believe in rigorous environmental stewardship? Yes! Absolutely! I will stand at the front of that line. I have been doing so for thirty-five years, ever since my father took me into the woods on my first hunting trip. But an outright embracing of the notion of anthropocentric climate change? No, thanks. I’ll have to pass on that one. I’ll stick with, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (Acts 16:31) But I think I’ll stay away from, “Believe in fluorescent light bulbs, electric cars, and ethanol fuel and you will be saved – you and your planet.”
Yes, Southern Baptists, we can do better. We should all be environmentally responsible. I quite think that most of us rural, small-town Southern Baptists are … more so than your average American. Certainly more so than most people in the third world. I have often read how our environmental irresponsibility hurts the poor in the third world … but if you think third world folk take such good care of the environment, you obviously don’t get out of the United States very much. The pristine stream by my home is a paradise compared to the polluted rivers I have seen overseas.
But surely, friends, we must have more important Gospel priorities! Thousands of people die every day without Jesus and enter the eternal torment of Hell … and, hey, we already know it’s hot there! Southern Baptists, surely that is the kind of “warming” that we should be investing our time and efforts in preventing.
Anyhow … just to chase a bit of an environmental rabbit … if you truly want to have a direct and dramatic impact upon the environment, you do not need to add your name to a public list or declaration. All you need to do is go down to your local Wal-Mart (yes … that EVIL empire…) and anonymously purchase an annual hunting and fishing license from your local state. You don’t even have to hunt or fish. Just buy a license. Your state’s Wildlife Resources Agency will do infinitely more with your $25 or $30 than you can even dream of accomplishing by adding your name to a internet petition. I guarantee it. For example, in my home state of Kentucky we have re-established a thriving elk herd in the past ten years … a herd that had been eradicated generations ago … all with license funds. You CAN make a difference.
No, we don’t have very many Starbucks and think-tanks out here in “fly-over country.” But we have always been on the side of “green.” In fact, we were “green” way before it was cool. Just check out our camouflage wardrobe. 
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I like your thoughts on both of these posts.
As someone who lives in a very polluted city, I agree with your comments about “third world” governments. I think a lot of folks just don’t realize how clean America is compared to other parts of the world.
I’ll admit I’m biased–I’m also not convinced that human activity produces global warming.
http://kuyakevin.blogspot.com/2007/12/global-warmingglobal-scam.html
Kevin,
Truly … most here in the US must not realize how clean and pristine the US is compared to most other locales. Our cities are even cleaner.
Interesting.
So … let me get this straight … we’re concerned enough about what folks think about our handling of the environment that we’ll take a position on this. On the other hand, with reference to being honest about our numbers, and perhaps about facing up to, and doing anything about, sexual abuse by pastors, well, we’re not so concerned about THAT.
Bob,
Interesting insight … but I’m not exactly sure what you’re trying to say.
Are you saying that we should be making other statements on those issues instead of making a big deal out of climate change?
Brother Geoff,
You and I can certainly agree on these posts. I am 110% behind you and will fight with you until the last drop of your blood is spilled. :>)
Seriously, I agree with your thoughts. After posting my thoughts shortly after this declaration went public, I have given this issue more thought. Certainly, I have more concerns than just a group of people getting together and writing a declaration that for the most part does nothing. However you make a statement that we all need to take to heart.
But surely, friends, we must have more important Gospel priorities! Environmental issues do not even make the radar screen when it comes to Gospel Priorities. I am one that went to Disney World while the SBC was under boycott. If the convention votes that this is something that we need to place on the front burner, I will voice my opposition, but I am going to focus on the Gospel. This is not going to stop me from doing what I know the Gospel compels me to do. I will drive my SUV instead of a Prius and burn more dinosaurs doing it, all the while listening to Bosephus sing “A Country Boy can Survive” ;>)
Blessings,
Tim
Tim,
I agree. I cannot quite make the connection between environment and Gospel that some seem to make.
“the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Romans 8:21
Man cannot “save ” the planet anymore than he can save himself. Jesus is the redeemer of all His creation.
I’m certainly not for intentional polluting of God’s creation, but IMHO this declaration moves beyond balance into extremism.
Les,
I think so, too. Despite all of the claims that this declaration is simply a call for good stewardship, a simple reading of the text shows that it goes beyond that.
Geoff,
Great Posts Great Perceptions.
“We believe our current denominational engagement with these issues have often been too timid, failing to produce a unified moral voice. Our cautious response to these issues in the face of mounting evidence may be seen by the world as uncaring, reckless and ill-informed. We can do better.”
I feel we as Christians can do a WHOLE LOT BETTER!!!
Our Brother and Sisters that signed this Declaration are Admitting, Confessing/Repenting of our Failure to respect God’s Creation.
Anyone that is so Proud to not ADMIT that we have Failed to Honor and Guard God’s Creation can’t be called a Child of God. How can one Share God’s Word and not share all about God’s Creation, I will never know.
In His Name
Wayne and Irene
Wayne, I’m not quite sure what you are saying. Can you please clarify?
Geoff: To be honest with you I was neutral on this subject, my thinking being what does it matter if one signs or doesn’t. But having read Part 1 and now Part 2 I am changing my view. I agree with you that evangelism must always be top priority along with the things Bob Cleveland mentioned. But first and foremost is missions.
Wayne: I say this respectfully, but faith in Christ is the criteria for being truly born again, not belief in the environment.
Debbie,
I appreciate your words. But church life is full of these sorts of diversions, isn’t it?
Debbie,
I think you have misread my Comment. I was speaking to Brothers and Sisters in Christ, isn’t that what referring to one as a Brother or Sister means?
In His Name
Wayne
Geoff,
I’m old enough, and know enough history, to know that weather goes in cycles – no matter what we do.
As a kid I distinctly remember being taught global cooling in public school (late 1960s). Because of our pollution the earth was getting colder and colder. We would no longer be able to grow crops and would eventually starve. Since they began teaching the exact opposite, I’ve never heard any of those teachers and scientists apologize for their previous errors.
Your posts are good and balanced on the environment. As believers we should care about the environment and be for reasonable ways to improve it. As you point out, our country is really pretty good at this. I also believe that hunters and outdoorsmen are some of the best, real environmentalists.
I strongly agree with you that while God’s creation is important, our greatest job by far is preaching the gospel. Watch out, in some of these posts you’re starting to sound like an old time Baptist preacher
. Kind of reminds me that the SBC is in good hands.
David R. Brumbelow
David,
I appreciate your kindness. I, too, remember the global schooling scare back in my middle school days. I remember how we were warned of the coming ice age.
Like you, I believe that the hunters / fishermen / outdoorsmen are the true environmentalists in our culture. When something is a beloved part of your life, you work hard to take care of it.
Wayne: I was specifically referring to this statement in your comment:
Anyone that is so Proud to not ADMIT that we have Failed to Honor and Guard God’s Creation can’t be called a Child of God. How can one Share God’s Word and not share all about God’s Creation, I will never know.
Geoff and Debbie.
The People who signed this Declaration were making a Statement for Protecting the Environment ( A Big Part of God’s Creation). They were willing to step up to the Plate and this is Pleasing to God.
When I am sharing the Love of God and what He Has done for His people. Creation, God Came Down, and John 3:16 I don’t want to be a Hypocrite.
In His Name
Wayne
Wayne,
I’m still not sure what you mean. In your original comment you said a couple of things:
First, – “Our Brother and Sisters that signed this Declaration are Admitting, Confessing/Repenting of our Failure to respect God’s Creation.”
That’s fine. They are free to make such a confession, as long as they do not try to make it for anyone else.
Secondly, you said – “Anyone that is so Proud to not ADMIT that we have Failed to Honor and Guard God’s Creation can’t be called a Child of God.”
Now that’s a pretty bold statement. I’m not so willing to make such an admission for myself. I am a great respecter of God’s creation and a most thoughtful steward. And I can assure you that I am, most definitely, a child of God.
In all my 19+ years of ministry, and during the multitude of times that I shared the Gospel privately and corporately, I have never had anyone … not a single person … stop me and first ask me my views on global warming and the environment. I see absolutely no hypocrisy with regard to my views on global warming and the propagation of the Gospel.
Geoff and Debbie.
.
STEWARDSHIP Extract from The Nelson Study Bible
Psalm 104
InDepth—Psalms on Creation
In some ways, the modern emphasis on “Mother Earth” is simply a revival of the goddess cults of the ancient Middle East. However, the authors of the creation psalms have the right perspective. We can express our enjoyment of creation without worshiping it. We can love the earth because we first love its Creator. We can rejoice in the marvels of nature—the sparkling waterfall and the soaring eagle—because we know they are the handiwork of God. Any efforts to “save” the earth should arise from our worship of its Creator and our knowledge that we are called to responsible stewardship because everything God created is a gift from Him.
In His Name
Wayne
Wayne,
Not THAT, my brother, I can absolutely, positively, whole-heartedly agree with.
Except for the last sentence … as Les said yesterday, man can no more save the earth (creation) than he can save himself.
david b. and geoff,
yea, where are the professors and teachers who scared…errrr, taught…all those school kids about global cooling? you know, i had a science professor in college tell us that science changes it’s mind every five to ten years. so, why should we really take to heart the words of people who are gonna change thier mind five to ten years down the road. one day, you might hear followers of al gore saying, “oooops. we missed it.”
let’s not forget the red m&m’s scare, and the dont eat bacon scare…and the dont eat fat and salt nonsense….and later, “scientists” changed their minds.
and, like you two, i believe that the greatest environmentalist we have are the hunters and fishermen.
david
Geoff: The statement urged Baptists to do something .. be more environmentally conscious, etc. But the convention has refused to make statements concerning integrity of membership, or do anything to help churches face the problem of abuse (as I understand it).
I think majoring on the minors may be a way around majoring on some majors (the results of which might make the SBC look bad to some).
I would like to know what the dates and location are for the 2009 SBC Conference. I am not a conspiracy buff but I think someone has found a back door to the battle Dr. Paul Pressler fought concerning liberalism in the convention. I want to be their to vote against anything remotely tied to environmentalism.
In my opinion the environmentalists are for the most part (99%) either unbelievers or just ignorant or both.
The 2nd Law of Thermal Dynamics settles all the issues of the environment. We cannot do anything to prolong the life span of the earth or the human race.
Even greater than this fact is the truth found in God’s Word. We will all die and this earth along with heaven will die as well.
Does this mean I can trash the place? Absolutely not! Nor can I pour toxic waste into the gutter. Can I leave all my lights on in my house? Sure, but it will cost me money and it is wasteful and not being a good steward.
I don’t believe my opposition to the EPA means that I reject the responsibility of exercising dominion over the earth.
revT
If the EPA continues to impose ridiculous rules on American industry without our government requiring – and enforcing – similar rules in countries with no money but lots of people, there will soon be no American industry and we will have nothing better to do than procreate and reverse the trend.
The SBC popping up with a basic declaration in support of this mentality is indeed rather frustrating to me. I don’t support damage to the planet at all, but it’s not my main concern in life. I want my children to enjoy a great place to live, but I know that millions of kids in China live in TERRIBLE environmental conditions because of the fact that the toxic processes they are exposed to are so much cheaper to do there than they are here, since we’ve basically made disposal of toxic materials illegal in the US. Thus, rather than a sensible method of disposal in both countries, we have a highly regulated country bragging about its “cleanness” while we are just shipping all of our dirties off to another country that isn’t so concerned about cleanness.
The SBC would be much better served to issue a resolution in protest of the human rights violations that are a result of an inappropriately “green” United States than to accuse American Southern Baptist Christians of “not doing enough to protect the planet.”
Very misdirected.
Geoff,
Baptist Press has just published some outstanding articles about Global Warming / Cooling (bpnews.net; March 19, 2008).
Hope everyone will check it out.
David R. Brumbelow