Tag: Earth Day

Our Cosmic Mudball

Friday’s Column: Brent’s Bent

Brent Pollard

Happy Earth Day! Yes, fifty-two years ago, the annual event created by peace activist John McConnel began. McConnel intended that we observe Earth Day on March 21 in connection with the vernal equinox. But instead, the academics and bureaucrats from the United Nations who got behind and promoted the annual observance chose April 22, which happened to coincide with the birthday of Vladimir Lenin.  

McConnel, a Pentecostal, hoped that more Christians would get involved with Earth Day, finding inspiration in God’s declaration that he had made the earth for humanity (cf. Psalm 115.16). McConnel felt that March 21 was a more natural date and less likely to be politicized. However, he admits that Earth Day has become politicized, alienating Christians and conservatives.1 

This year’s Earth Day theme is “Invest In Our Planet.” In addition to the alarmist hype that our time to “fix” things is short, you’ll note the following: “This is the moment to change it all — the business climate, the political climate, and how we take action on climate. Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, our livelihoods… together, we must Invest In Our Planet.”2 

So, when did fighting pollution and conserving our natural resources become about changing business and politics? Those usurping the Earth Day idea from McConnel prove his point about its politicization. However, I will not write another lengthy post about climate change but refer you to an article posted on this blog on January 7, 2022, “Worry Not; The Sky Is Not Falling.” 

In the meantime, as you hear people talk about our terrestrial home today, I wish to remind you of our eternal one. We are told not to love this world or the things therein since they will be destroyed (1 John 2.15-17). And while that doesn’t excuse us from being good stewards of the planet, it can be unhealthy to become so invested in a cosmic mudball that will only one day melt with fervent heat (2 Peter 3.10). Set your mind on things above (Colossians 3.2). 

Jesus is coming. He promised to prepare His followers a dwelling place (John 14.1-3). With that promise is the one of His return. It is certain. Note the testimony of the angels at Jesus’ ascension that our Lord will return one day in the same way He left us (Acts 1.11). Our task is to prepare for that great day since we know not the day or the hour (Matthew 25.13). Are you ready? 

Sources Cited 

1 Sparks, Nicole, and Darrin J Rodgers. “John McConnell, Jr. and the Pentecostal Origins of Earth Day.” Assemblies of God Heritage Magazine, Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center, ifphc.org/-/media/FPHC/Heritage-Magazine/2010.pdf. 

2 “Earth Day 2022: Invest in Our Planet™.” Earth Day, EarthDay.org, 21 Apr. 2022, www.earthday.org/earth-day-2022/. 

CLIMATE CHANGE

Neal Pollard

Perhaps you were aware that New York is hosting the United Nations Climate Summit, a gathering of a staggering 162 nations to talk about the environment and such specific issues as global warming.  While you may find the attendance impressive but the “facts” not so much, this event shows how important the topic of climate change is to some important people—presidents, heads of state, prime ministers, and the like.  The Associated Press fact-checked our president’s speech about efforts he is making and found it wanting in some areas, but there is no questioning that this issue is a high priority to him (Joby Warwic, The Washington Post, 9/24/14).

The big question often swirling around this controversial topic is, “How do you effect climate change?”  What works and what does not? What can be impacted and what is inevitable?  What can one person (or even one nation) do?

Our earth is not the only entity or sphere with a “climate.”  Inasmuch as the word relates to not only the weather, meaning also “the prevailing attitudes, standards, or environmental conditions of a group, period, or place” (“climate.” Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 24 Sep. 2014. <Dictionary.com) and synonymous with “mood, atmosphere, spirit, tone, and temper” (ibid.), we should give attention to the other areas of life that involve a “climate.”  Our marriages, homes, and congregations each have a climate.  While we may enjoy certain things about each of these organizations, they also each inevitably stand in need of at least some changes.

What can we do to effect climate changes in those all-important areas?  The knee-jerk answer might be to tell the leaders what we think it takes to improve, to advise, criticize, and push.  That may seem like a good way to do things, but experience teaches that these are the least effective ways to promote change.  Do you know the best way?  Be the climate change you want to see!  Many of us find ourselves operating in all three arenas—spouses, parents or children, and church members.  That means each of us have at least one place to primarily concentrate, and that is on our individual role in those spheres.  Can you change your demeanor, attitude, level of effort and involvement, or assistance to the others in that group?

For all of us, it is easier to start with the other person(s) and size up what they need to do.  That’s worse than a hoax! That’s self-delusion.  Far better it is to apply this principle and “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-unless indeed you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5, emph. mine). There’s the way to meaningful “climate change”!

 

Climate Change