I have odd temptations. This one just got much, much worse. In the name of Christ people abuse the generations, and as a Christian, what should I do? My temptation is that this makes me want to wish for a special hell for some people. The main trigger for this is stupidity having multi-generational consequences. (Actually, "stupidity" may be charitable - some individuals act in deliberate deception. But I'll stay with "stupidity", and not presume intent.) Let me tell you what has just made this temptation so much worse. Its that three individuals have the potential to substantially undermine the global response to climate change, with a consequent exacerbation of human suffering among future generations that is almost impossible to describe! There have been recent appointments to positions of power of three self-identified Christians, the US senators Rubio (R-Florida), Cruz (R-Texas), and Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) as chairman of three key senate oversight committees. Now if you're not from the USA this may make no sense. I'm not from the USA, and I have no desire to be a USA citizen, so why am I being tempted? It's because Cruz now has oversight of NASA, Rubio has oversight of NOAA, and Inhofe has oversight of the EPA. These three agencies have critical roles to play in facilitating the research on climate change, and in informing the USA response to climate change. The reason that this is important is not because of what it'll do to the USA (that worries me little - what you sow, you reap). The problem is the pivotal role the USA plays in facilitating the critical global response. Time is running out prevent an irreversible global commitment leading to climate impacts of major proportions, and the USA's position is the central sticking point in achieving effective global action. Doubly worrying is that Inhofe (at least) has expressed his intention to actively engage in undermining the unprecedented and critical USA-China relationship leading into the next round of international climate change treaty negotiations. What really gets me going as a Christian is that they are doing this while using the bible to defend their actions. That they are making the Republican Party a laughing stock is neither here nor there (although there are a few Republicans that think otherwise). And the problem is not so much that they deny clear, scientific, and apolitical facts about a reality of what we are doing to the world. What's really the problem is that they have the gall to use God's name to justify their illogical (I am tempted to say despicable) actions, and with stupid (there, I said it) and irrational theology! What will future generations have to say about that? Why do Christians of today accept it? The mind boggles. Not only are they contributing to increasing the human suffering around the world for generations to come, but they are portraying Christ in such a way that it is no wonder people are increasingly running from Christianity into the arms of new-atheism and other forms of spirituality. If I was not already a Christian I would also mock Christianity for what these people are saying. I am reminded of how Jesus' condemnations were largely reserved for those who usurped the name of God for their own agendas. Meantime I have to resist my temptations, and try to live Jesus to the world. [If you want to fact-check Inhofe's twisted statements (and many outright lies), take a quick read at http://tinyurl.com/78u677p or explore http://www.skepticalscience.com/].
1 Comment
r4spaces
23/1/2015 10:26:59 pm
Where are the Christian leaders? There are churches here and there aware of the problem and able to see the need for a radical shift in global policy.
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