From: Have You Been Blessed By Leaving the Church

[MG 2.0]

I realized the earth is it, we’re destroying it, and the only savior for humanity and the world in the most literal sense is us.

Now if we can just get China, India, South Africa, and others on board…

Not meaning to derail. We can leave it right there. Just sayin’ that the track record for humankind stepping up and being ‘saviors’ in regards to environmental matters hasn’t been stellar.

Regards,
MG

[Analytics]

I realized the earth is it, we’re destroying it, and the only savior for humanity and the world in the most literal sense is us.

Now if we can just get China, India, South Africa, and others on board…

Not meaning to derail. We can leave it right there. Just sayin’ that the track record for humankind stepping up and being ‘saviors’ in regards to environmental matters hasn’t been stellar.

Regards,
MG

You really ought to read Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Steven Pinker. Things aren't perfect, but they are getting better and science is leading the way.

[MG 2.0]

You really ought to read Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Steven Pinker. Things aren't perfect, but they are getting better and science is leading the way.

Someone recommended that to me but I had forgotten, your reminder is appreciated. From his site

Steven Pinker urges us to step back from the gory headlines and prophecies of doom, which play to our psychological biases. Instead, follow the data: In 75 jaw-dropping graphs, Pinker shows that life, health, prosperity, safety, peace, knowledge, and happiness are on the rise, not just in the West, but worldwide. This progress is not the result of some cosmic force. It is a gift of the Enlightenment: the conviction that reason and science can enhance human flourishing.

Nonetheless, enlightened thinking in regards to climate change issues and what is necessary to make critical changes to alleviate future human suffering is coming AWFUL slow to the countries I’ve mentioned, along with others. Time will tell I suppose as to whether or not some of the largest world players will jump on board with those that are in Pinker’s boat of gradual enlightenment and progress.

Recent events seem to show this is unlikely. At least for the indefinite future.

I guess this line of discussion is taking this thread off the rails. I’ll stop.

By the way, years ago back in my more agnostic days I loved reading Pinker’s stuff. He is one of the great thinkers of our time. I guess I should go back and add him to my current reading list. My stack sitting here is already slightly less than a foot high.

That’s why I come and go here. This board can take WAY too much time away from reading. But then again, writing is kind of fun also. Keeps my brain from atrophying. Though some here would disagree.

Regards,
MG

[Doctor CamNC4Me]

I realized the earth is it, we’re destroying it, and the only savior for humanity and the world in the most literal sense is us.

Now if we can just get China, India, South Africa, and others on board…

Not meaning to derail. We can leave it right there. Just sayin’ that the track record for humankind stepping up and being ‘saviors’ in regards to environmental matters hasn’t been stellar.

For sure. And this is why I’m at least trying to be better within the scope of my responsibilities. Man in the mirror and all that. I can’t ethically moan about organizations or municipalities or countries unless I’m being fairly consistent within my individual ethos.

- Doc

[MG 2.0]

Now if we can just get China, India, South Africa, and others on board…

Not meaning to derail. We can leave it right there. Just sayin’ that the track record for humankind stepping up and being ‘saviors’ in regards to environmental matters hasn’t been stellar.

For sure. And this is why I’m at least trying to be better within the scope of my responsibilities. Man in the mirror and all that. I can’t ethically moan about organizations or municipalities or countries unless I’m being fairly consistent within my individual ethos.

- Doc

Agreed. When my wife and I moved into the community that we live in now we lost our recycling services. Now we have to cart it all over to one of our kid’s places. Which because it’s extra work we sometimes don’t always do. And then I come to find out that half or more of the stuff may end up in the landfill anyway.

Bummer.

We try to do our share to keep the world freer from catastrophic environmental degradation. Light bulb changes, water usage, etc., but it’s such a SMALL imprint that it’s ridiculously insignificant.

But we try.

Knowing there are major players in the world that don’t seem to really give a damn makes it all terribly frustrating.

When I go out on day hikes and see trash scattered around in some areas, that’s discouraging too.

Being an active member of the church has not impacted my understanding of the fragility of our environment. If anything, I think I appreciate things even more knowing that we are stewards over God’s creations and accountable to Him for destroying or disfiguring that which He has given us. But that’s the way I look at it personally.

If others are environmentally conscious for what ever reasons, that’s a good thing in my book.

I suppose this thread ought to get back on track?

Regards,
MG

[Doctor CamNC4Me]

I suppose this thread ought to get back on track?

Well, then stop damned derailing it.

- Doc

[Marcus]

For sure. And this is why I’m at least trying to be better within the scope of my responsibilities. Man in the mirror and all that. I can’t ethically moan about organizations or municipalities or countries unless I’m being fairly consistent within my individual ethos.

- Doc

Agreed. When my wife and I moved into the community that we live in now we lost our recycling services. Now we have to cart it all over to one of our kid’s places...

Huh. In my municipality that's illegal. Taxpayers in another town aren't paying for you to recycle.

I suppose this thread ought to get back on track?

Well, then stop F'ing derailing it.

- Doc

[MG 2.0]

I suppose this thread ought to get back on track?

Well, then stop F'ing derailing it.

- Doc

Will do. Thanks for having a short and civil conversation, albeit temporarily. It was somewhat refreshing.

I was just responding to what you were saying which was already a bit off the beaten path. Be that as it may, have a good one.

Regards,
MG

[MG 2.0]

Agreed. When my wife and I moved into the community that we live in now we lost our recycling services. Now we have to cart it all over to one of our kid’s places...

Huh. In my municipality that's illegal. Taxpayers in another town aren't paying for you to recycle.

Well, then stop F'ing derailing it.

- Doc

I saw this post and read it. No response. Again, have a nice day.

Regards,
MaG

[Marcus]

Huh. In my municipality that's illegal. Taxpayers in another town aren't paying for you to recycle.

I saw this post and read it....

Then you know the law now. I'm glad, and I'm sure your kids' town appreciates it too.

Analytics is kicking ass, and it’s awesome to see it. I love good news, and seeing someone do well in life is great. This is turning into a cool thread.

- Doc

Yes it is.