Global Warming

[Chad]

Global Warming



As Christians, we should be concerned about our effect on our environment. God appointed man to be the steward of this world (Genesis 1:28), not the destroyer of it. However, we should not allow environmentalism to become a form of idolatry, where the “rights” of an inanimate planet and its non-human creatures are held in higher esteem than God (Romans 1:25). With global warming, as with any other topic, it is crucial to understand what the facts are, who those facts come from, how they are interpreted, and what the spiritual implications should be.

A careful look at global warming, as a topic, shows that there is a great deal of disagreement about the facts and substance of climate change. Those who blame man for climate change often disagree about what facts lead them to that conclusion. Those who hold man totally innocent of it often ignore established facts. My experience and research leads me to believe that warming is, in fact, occurring; however, there is little to no objective evidence that man is the cause, nor that the effects will be catastrophic. I think the idea of earth “wearing out” is an apt analogy. This entire world has been continually decaying since the fall.

Global warming “facts” are notoriously hard to come by. One of the few facts universally agreed upon is that the current average temperature of Earth is indeed rising. According to most estimates, this increase in temperature amounts to about 0.4-0.8 °C (0.72-1.44 °F) over the last 100 years. Data regarding times before that is not only highly theoretical, but very difficult to obtain with any accuracy. The very methods used to obtain historical temperature records are controversial, even between the most ardent supporters of human-caused climate change.

The facts leading one to believe that humans are not responsible for the current change in temperature are as follows:

· Global temperature changes from past millennia were far larger and faster than the current trend, raising doubts about man’s effect on global temperature. That is, the current climate change is quite small in comparison to past changes.

· Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere is thought to be the biggest contributor to temperature change, yet 97% of atmospheric CO2 is from volcanoes.

· Given the small percentage of human-produced CO2, human impact on global temperature may be as little as 1%.

· Global temperatures are known to be influenced by other, non-human-controlled factors, such as sunspot activity.

· Ice-age temperature studies, rough though they may be, often show temperatures changing before CO2 levels, not after.

· Computer simulations used to “predict” or “demonstrate” global warming require the assumption of human causation, and even then are not typically repeatable or reliable. Current computer weather simulations are neither predictive nor repeatable.

· Most of the global temperature increase of the last 100 years occurred before most of the man-made CO2 was produced.

· In the 1970’s, global temperatures had actually been dropping since 1945, and a “global cooling” concern became prominent, despite what is now dismissed as a lack of scientific support.

· The “consensus” claimed by most global warming theorists is not scientific proof, it is a statement of majority opinion; scientific majorities have been wrongly influenced by politics and other factors in the past.

· This “consensus,” as with many other scientific theories, can be partially explained by growing hostility to those with differing viewpoints, making it less likely that a person without preconceived notions would take on the subject for research.

While the above list is not exhaustive, it does include several of the major points that raise doubts about mankind’s actual effect on global temperatures. In short, there is simply not much objective evidence to support the idea that global warming is significantly influenced by human actions. There is plenty of vague, short-sighted, and misunderstood data that can be seen as supporting global warming theory. Christians ought to treat our world with respect and good stewardship, but we should not allow politically-driven hysteria to dominate our view of the environment.

The primary problem with extreme forms of environmentalism is that they reject the Biblical concept that this current earth is not permanent. This world is not our eternal home. We are to be FAR more concerned with the salvation of souls than saving the earth. The Bible does in fact mention a form of "global warming."

2 Peter 3:7-13

"By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men...The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare...That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness."

 

[Buddy2]

I agree with the thought of "What is...is." In otherwords, when different people groups have been taken over by others, God was not surprised. He is allowing and ultimately in control of everything. Like here in Hawaii, there's a movement for a soveriegn nation. But what is...is. There are invasive plants, insects, and animals that are taking over various parts of the earth from what was originally there. People do what they can, but usually it continues. What is...is. Who are we to challenge what God has allowed?!

 

[Faithful Son]

I'd like to bring this thread forward in light of the current news that has been going around the past couple of weeks. I think it would be good if people read this.

I do not however agree with the last part that the fire God's Word talks about is global warming, rather I think that is the same as the flood was in Noah's time.

God bless

 

[kenwyn]

I disagree strongly.

The scientific consensus is growing stronger all the time. Most of the political influence is from the vested interests of big business, which are very concerned to downplay the role of carbon emissions in global warming.

Chad is right to point out that God appointed us stewards of his creation. And there is no question that at the moment - on a global scale - we are doing a very bad job. The current rate of extinction of animals, deforestation and pollution is unacceptable.

Rising global temperatures and rising sea levels are nothing like the fire of God's judgement or the flood in Noah's time. It is the result of our selfish neglect and our needless consumption of resources.

Why would God welcome us to his new heaven and new earth when we have treated the old heaven and earth with such utter contempt?

As Christians we should be at the forefront of preserving creation. But we are too often dragging our heels. We could be doing far, far more.

 

[Faithful Son]

I think you should re-read the article kenwyn and ask God to lead your thoughts, it seems as though you have been polluted by a worldly opinion.

God bless

 

[kenwyn]

God presides in the great assembly;
he gives judgment among the "gods":
"How long will you defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Psalm 82

My worries come not from a worldly concern for global economics but from a biblical concern for the poor and for caring for creation.

Nobody will deny that global warming will hit the poorest people in the poorest parts of the world hardest. I live in the UK, where my family and I have enough economic security to shield ourselves from the worst of climate change.

Large parts of countries such as Bangladesh could become uninhabitable with catastrophic consquences for millions of people there. I believe that it is profoundly unchristian to turn a blind eye to this.

I think it is legitimate to think about our response to the abuse of the environment in terms of Matthew 25 because the poor bear the brunt of environmental degradation more than we do. Jesus said:

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

By extension we should take the warning of Matthew 25. 45-46 seriously.

 

[Faithful Son]

I think what you fail to realise is that this is ultimately God's world, to do with what and how He pleases and see's fit. Let's say there are 2 billion Christians in the world and the rest of the billions are unsaved, do you think God will allow this world to burn itself up out of space? I highly doubt that.

As I said, it's best if you re-read the article, there's a strong emphasis on the world as a whole in this article. Yes indeed, we need to look after the poor, I have first hand knowledge of the poor, I live in South Africa. The main thing is this world is temporary, we should look after it best we can, but we should not fret or toil about specifics such as a 2 or 3 degree rise in temperature, be it over 20 years or a 100.

This is God's world, prayer and faith is what will keep us alive, until the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will be taken away from this place, to live in peace with our God. This is so temporary, Jesus is so near.

The poor are all Christians concern, at least they should be. The facts in this article speak of a different viewpoint, a viewpoint based on the Word of God. We need to realise that. What does science have to teach God? Nothing. God is in controll, I can't express it more than I have. He will watch over us.

It is not in mans ability to stop global warming. I don't believe in global warming, but if I did I would definitely not think it capable of the human race to restore a crumbling chaotiic planet?

God does what He knows best, always.

God bless
Much love
teraside

 

[kenwyn]

I know that this is God's world, to do with as he wants. He has given us responsibility to look after it for him. If we continue to mess it up He will hold us accountable.

• We are given responsibility as stewards of God's creation
• We are commanded to care for the poor
• We have a growing awareness that our actions are damaging God's creation in a way that will hit the poor hardest

So part of our service to God, alongside evangelism, pastoral care, prayer, and preaching must be to take action to preserve God's creation.

I have re-read the original article several times. I agree with the main biblical points: 1) we are stewards of creation 2) environmentalism should not turn to creation idolatary

I do not think the link between the fire of judgement is very helpful

I disagree strongly with the case that the scientific evidence for human caused global warming is inconclusive.

 

[Laudite]

First, consider a couple things about global warming- the theorists- people who actually have something to say- have a consensus that anthropic global warming exists and is probably at least very bad for humanity. Now, you are indeed correct that consensus can be influenced by external factors like politics. However, you're making anargumentum ad minimis- sure, there is some politics- but political bent is a reason to weigh arguments, not to reject them, cover our ears, and refuse to examine the debate. If you want to rebut the notion you must advance arguments that engage the arguments others are making- otherwise you fail to meet the burden of proof for diputing a notion. Political bent might be sufficent evidence to prove that a person is bad or whatever, but it cant prove that anthropic global warming is wrong. Second, it doesn't matter- the debate has shifted to how we can solve global warming without hurting the economy (and how important the economy is.) Get on the train before it leaves you behind. Think of the American autos- that in the Reagan administration ignored the environmentalist liberal pinko gas mileage requirements of the Carter Administration. That's a big part of why the American car can't even come in 3rd in America, much less export markets.

Theologically- no man knows the hour of His coming, and to assume that you can trust the world to ends before you destroy it is the height of arrogance. If indeed you end the earth before God deems it time, whether or not the Almighty deigns to stop you, imagine the dreadful account you shall be called to. If we like it or not, this past age we have grasped the power to destroy the earth, at least by nuclear fire. The theological questions that raises are unanswerable, because if, like spoiled children, we call God's 'Don't make me come down there' we don't get to find out what happens (at least, not in a form that that knoledge is useful for future decisions)

 

[Iloverock24]

Even if the results were true, for the reason to ignore it. I agree because God gave us this world to live in and if we don't take care of it, who will? Eventually it will all fade away and that wouldn't be a good thing. I get offended when I see people throwing trash on the ground.

 

[Giggles4God]

I didn't really want to get into this. BUT here goes...lol.

I believe as a Christian I should try to recycle, pick up trash, BUT I think some people who go to the extreme about this. People forget who is in control. We aren't! Yes, we are to help make our world a better place, but let's not condemn people to hell because they don't recycle or have windpowered windmills, etc.

I believe that the focus should be trying to do what we can to make Earth what God wanted it to be, NOT what we want it to be.

Besides, God could have sent a big fireball our way. Did you ever think that the rise in temperature had nothing to do with us? Do we REALLY know? God placed Earth at a certain place for our survival. I believe most things going on with natture (which is controlled by God, NOT us or 'Mother Earth') are in line with the Word of God. Things as the 'end times' come will change.

I don't eat up every word the scientist say. Not all of them know what they are talking about. What is global warming really??

Well I think I said enough.

 

[mourning dove]

Some of the problems we face in our environment just aren't going to disappear so we can't ignore them. Global changes are evident and more are most likely imminent whatever the causes may be. But this is something we can surely deal with gradually and carefully as we continue to focus on our God (who is in control) and what He may call us to do. It's not necessary to develop a philosophy outside of the principles of God's Word to make changes..especially in small ways..like trying to conserve energy in our homes, etc. That just makes good sense to me.

"Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!" (Jeremiah 18:6b)

 

[JHM]

Would appreciate it if anyone here can tell me where I found the following quotes :

"I have sent the winds to warn you ... But you will not give up what you have made with your hands"
"You have polluted the world"

 

[Brother Mike]

What does it matter??

Pastors have taken the pulpit to preach GREEN. It's rampant, so we hear about going green and Mother Earth. Wait, Mother Earth is Goddess Worship.... Oooops.....

There is nothing we can do to save the planet. It's doomed. Meanwhile, don't litter, and be responsible. Outside of that, don't worry about it. Leave it to the left wing to figure it out. They are not happy unless there are issues to complain about.

If some of you remember it was Acid rain, the global freezing, now global warming. It will be something.

As for Changes? Look at what times we are in. As sin abounds grace abounds more and more. In the last days, there will be perilous times. You can't change that, it's scripture.

By one man's sin death reigned. Sin is killing this planet. It's spiritual, not factory related.

Now for those sad about global warming........... We are not big enough to destroy this planet on our own. God upholds all things by the Word of his power. That is the air you breath, and the planets in perfect harmony so we don't smash into the moon or something.

Now God can do things right!!!! He is going to show us what real global warming really is. He is going to melt this planet into a big ball of red glowing sludge. Now that is some serious global warming. I can't wait to see the faces of those that spent billions trying to save this planet.

Jesus Is Lord.

 

[Hekuran]

Creation is not going to be destroyed. It will be renewed. See Romans 8.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hopethat the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.​

Of course some people are environmental activists in the spirit of idolatary. But it is thoroughly Christian to care for God's creation, anticipating the time when he will make all things new.

 

[Brother Mike]

2Pe 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2Pe 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,


Hekuran I suppose in a sense there will be a new Earth, However, this present one is going to get cooked.

Jesus Is Lord

 

[Hekuran]

That's not my point: Creation as a whole is not destined for destruction; it is destined to be liberated from bondage.

For the creation was subjected to frustration ... in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.​

That is when we see God's kingdom in its full splendour. Until then, caring for God's good creation is part of building the kingdom.

 

[Brother Mike]

I get it!!!

I think it's the way we are reading Romans chapter 8. Some read it as things are going pretty rough now, but it's nothing compared to what is coming later.

This is what it is saying, as it clearly states that.

Now the redemption of our bodies that is mentioned to many would make it seem like this time would be when we get to leave earth, or when Jesus comes. Being with God, no matter how you get there.

I always compare other scriptures with scriptures. Paul talked about some of the same things throughout his writing. This is why we missed each other on the Earth thing. Your looking at the scripture one way though a different translation, and I am reading out of the KJV.

I also have other scriptures in Mind and not just Romans 8.

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

We are told that we know we are children of God because the Holy Spirit bears witness with our human spirit. The Holy Spirit tells us inside that we are God's Children. Paul used the Word Child here in this passage.

Someone that has walked with God, and has grown in the things of God would never Question if they were God's Son or Daughter. A child or someone new may have doubts at times.

Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Here we are told that if we are Children of God, then we are also Heirs of God, and share the same things that are in his Anointing. (Christ, means Jesus the Anointed one and His anointing on us.)

People switch Christ to mean Jesus, and they are two different Greek Words. People that heard the Word back then, this is how they heard it. We have just lumped the two different words to mean Jesus.

It's Jesus the Messiah (Jesus the Anointed King -Hebrew) In Greek it's Jesus Christ (Jesus the Anointed one of God)

Paul said that any suffering you are having to go though now, is not compared to what is coming later. We are still partakers of His Anointing, and that anointing is there. However, we are children still, yet heirs to God.

Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. NIV

Job 8:7 Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.


When we are born again, ALL THINGS BECOME NEW!!!! At least they should be. That means we start pulling away from the Worldly thing and toward the heavenly things. We have a measure of faith to start using, and the anointing of God is there. Things we did not have in the past. HOWEVER!!!!!!

COMPARE!!!

Gal 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Gal 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Gal 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

As a Child we are no different than a servant. We are still subject to the Elements of the World. Now being a Child we are still heir's to everything God has, but you just don't give Children all that power and anointing to use as Jesus did. Even Jesus had to endure temptation and long hours of study before he received the Anointing of God. He had to prove he would be faithful with that kind of Power.

Luk 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Jesus proved to be faithful, and therefore increased in Wisdom, and the more faithful he proved himself he increased his favor with God.

Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Now Paul said, as long as we stay Children, we are no more in power than a servant. We are subject to lots of issues and junk in this world. We are just like the rest of everyone who is struggling.

If we will grow and mature. If we will take heed and walk by faith. If we will be obedient to God. Then we will grow, and be full of God's power and anointing.

Luk 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

What is true riches???

Php 3:8 .......For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

Luk 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

Once we grow up, we are no longer Children, but full son's and daughters.

Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant (Children differ not from a servant), but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.


Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God


Rom 8:19 For [even the whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God's sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship]. Amp

Rom 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves too, who have and enjoy the firstfruits of the [Holy] Spirit [a foretaste of the blissful things to come] groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies [from sensuality and the grave, which will reveal] our adoption (our manifestation as God's sons). Amp

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

This World is waiting for us to grow up, to not be children anymore and be bitter and argue. Wanting to have our own way, putting down others and being like everyone else.

This Word is waiting for God's full power to be displayed though us, for them. They are waiting to see the victory in our life over all things.

To be a man where sin no longer has hold of us, to come to the fulness of God's powerful anointing. To be like Jesus.

It's possible, because the scriptures says it's possible.

Jesus Is Lord.

 

[Hekuran]

We're drifting a bit from the topic

If we will grow and mature. If we will take heed and walk by faith. If we will be obedient to God. Then we will grow, and be full of God's power and anointing.

That is not Paul's line of thought in the Galatians passage - you didn't quote verses four and five. He's writing to Jewish converts on the richness of the new covenant compared to the old.

galatians 4:1-7

The Romans passage must be talking about more than the church being mature and holy. Creation is awaiting its liberation from the bondage of decay.

Surely the only thing that will free creation from rust and rot is God making all things new.

 

[Hekuran]

This is one of those areas where our understanding of the Bible has a profound effect on our views of todays big issues. If you beleive that God has essentially given up on creation, and is preparing for the time to move on to something better, then what is to stop us from polluting and damaging the world around us.

But if your understanding of the Bible is that God is redeeming, renewing the created order, there is every reason for getting serious about caring for creation.

God's renewing creation is something I have understood only recently - by reading Tom Wright's book Surprised by Hope. Despite reading the Bible fairly intensively for over 20 years, I have found that I have missed a major part of the message.