Proof that faith in the unseen is dangerous to us all

[Guest]

Yea, it is pretty creepy. Mormons are very creative in finding ways to explain just about anything in terms of satan's struggle against goodness.

[_Moniker]

This is sort of weird for me... I've never heard any religious person talk about the environment as such. I don't know what to really make of it. I mean, I've known the political arguments, but never thought about it in a religious sense, really. I mean, I know there are certain denominations concerned with the environment, and sort of assumed they all were. I suppose the more fundamentalist one gets this is more likely the case. I'm not certain.

It's odd...

[_KimberlyAnn]

I know all too well the attitude displayed by many Mormons and some religiously inclined individuals regarding the environment.

Honestly, I'm not completely sold on all the gloom-and-doom environmental prognoses offered by some folks, but neither am I unconcerned about human impact on our planet.

But, my opinion is neither here nor there, really. I only wanted to point out that not all religious organizations are disinterested in social and environmental issues. I attend a United Methodist congregation with my family, and as a denomination, they are very progressive on social and environmental issues. Follows information from their November 2007 conference on social issues and a link about the UMC position on Global Warming:

Comments from the Conference on Social Justice:

White [A Methodist Pastor] said governments are losing credibility as they try to discredit the science of global warming in order to shore up old polluting industries and to build military ramparts higher to protect a decaying empire.

"In this moment, as in the 1980s, the people are rebelling, organizing to create in states, cities and communities the new green shoots of the emerging age," said the bishop. "They are once again turning to trusted leaders of their communities of faith to inspire and to guide them through perilous times, drawing upon the wisdom yet living in their ancient Scriptures."

Participants said increased drought, floods and heat waves brought on by climate change could exacerbate hunger and disease in years to come. "For me it is a 'love thy neighbor' issue," said Reid Detchon, an Episcopal layman who is executive director of the Energy Future Coalition.


"We are caught up in a disease of consumption, and that is what is afflicting the earth," says the Right Rev. James Jones, bishop of Liverpool in the Church of England. A UMNS photo by Erin Robertson.

"I'm convinced there are young people who are searching for churches which will embrace their passion for caring for the earth. These folks can help the church remember its connection to creation, and the church can give them a sense of wholeness in their lives by relating their passion to Christ," said the Rev. Pat Watkins, a United Methodist clergy member of the Virginia Annual (regional) Conference and environmental coordinator for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.

The task force joined Muslim, Jewish and Christian clergy for a breakfast to discuss the role of faith communities in caring for creation. The breakfast was co-sponsored by the British Embassy and the Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light.

Speakers included the Right Rev. James Jones, bishop of Liverpool in the Church of England, who described how he called for a "carbon fast" last year for Lent in the Diocese of Liverpool. He said such a fast was more valuable than giving up chocolate or candy or other more typical seasonal sacrifices. "We are caught up in a disease of consumption, and that is what is afflicting the earth," he said.

Jones said that, by the end of the carbon fast, "people weren't ready to resume their previous consumption levels; it made them think about their life."

And, a link to efforts by the UMC to further social justice by using their economic clout: http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=2&mid=4157

It's not my opinion that a belief in God necessitates thoughtlessness when it comes to environmental or social issues, though obviously, it can happen. And that's a shame.

Kimberly Ann

[_beastie]

The anti-environmentalism in conservative christianity befuddles me. I saw it explained once on a show, but the explanation was so bizarre it eludes me. I simply do not get it. Does it basically boil down to: Jesus is coming so it's ok to rape the planet?

Oh, I remember the show now - it was Jesus Camp. There were segments showing Home schooling radical EV parents, and they taught their children anti-environmentalism. I just literally cannot remember how they justified it.

[_Bond...James Bond]

The anti-environmentalism in conservative christianity befuddles me. I saw it explained once on a show, but the explanation was so bizarre it eludes me. I simply do not get it. Does it basically boil down to: Jesus is coming so it's ok to rape the planet?

Oh, I remember the show now - it was Jesus Camp. There were segments showing Home schooling radical EV parents, and they taught their children anti-environmentalism. I just literally cannot remember how they justified it.

I could have sworn on that Jesus Camp video was a segment of a conservative radio guy saying that raping the planet was good because it would hasten the return of Jesus. But maybe I was just imagining things. *shrugs*

[_beastie]

I could have sworn on that Jesus Camp video was a segment of a conservative radio guy saying that raping the planet was good because it would hasten the return of Jesus. But maybe I was just imagining things. *shrugs*

I think you may be right. Whatever it was, it was utterly bizarre, and defied all reason.

[_KimberlyAnn]

I could have sworn on that Jesus Camp video was a segment of a conservative radio guy saying that raping the planet was good because it would hasten the return of Jesus. But maybe I was just imagining things. *shrugs*

I think you may be right. Whatever it was, it was utterly bizarre, and defied all reason.

That line of reasoning can be found on the MAD board, also. I once replied to a Mormon who wanted people to "sin" to speed up the Second Coming. Those kinds of religious lunatics worry me. What are they willing to do to speed up the end of the world?

*shudder*

KA

[_Moniker]

I know all too well the attitude displayed by many Mormons and some religiously inclined individuals regarding the environment.

Honestly, I'm not completely sold on all the gloom-and-doom environmental prognoses offered by some folks, but neither am I unconcerned about human impact on our planet.

But, my opinion is neither here nor there, really. I only wanted to point out that not all religious organizations are disinterested in social and environmental issues. I attend a United Methodist congregation with my family, and as a denomination, they are very progressive on social and environmental issues. Follows information from their November 2007 conference on social issues and a link about the UMC position on Global Warming:

The UMC also attacks Bush for unilateralism with not signing then getting Congress to ratify the Kyoto Treaty. I just posted that on the thread where JAK and I were discussing all religions are dangerous. I suppose, growing up around Methodists I just figured most Christians sort of had that same sort of concern for social issues as well as environmental issues. Guess not.

[_Moniker]

I could have sworn on that Jesus Camp video was a segment of a conservative radio guy saying that raping the planet was good because it would hasten the return of Jesus. But maybe I was just imagining things. *shrugs*

I think you may be right. Whatever it was, it was utterly bizarre, and defied all reason.

That is insane!

[_Bond...James Bond]

I can't find it (maybe it doesn't exist). But I did get to take a trip down memory lane and watch Part 1 of Jesus Camp. Holy Shizzle those people are nutjobs. And I hate how they bully these poor kids. My Goodness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c94b1_dx9Q8