The earth is hurting, wounded, though we hope not mortally, by human activity that has set in motion rapid and often destructive environmental changes.
It is a scandal that those sounding the loudest alarm on the devastating effects of global warming due to human activity are NOT primarily people of faith, (though some in the faith community have been speaking out about environmental devastation) but international scientists (and Al Gore).
Even worse, however, is that some very conservative Christians argue against efforts to protect the environment and to reverse these effects because they claim the creation is destined for violent destruction in a coming “Rapture” event.
The book of Genesis is very clear. God creates the world and declares it "very good." (Genesis 1:31) Sin comes into the world through human disobedience—including, I would argue, wantonly and selfishly devastating the very planet that sustains all life. It is life itself that is God’s gift and it is life itself that unchecked human-made pollution seems on the verge of destroying.
Ironically enough, the visions of judgment in the Book of Revelation are directed at the violently destructive practices of the Roman Empire, practices of both economic and environmental destruction. Keep on doing what you’re doing, Rome, the Book of Revelation warns, and the rivers will dry up, plagues and disease will come, and violent storms will break out. (Revelation 16) Sound familiar?
The Book of Revelation reveals an “Inconvenient Truth.” Hurt the planet and it will hurt you back. Pay attention. This judgment is real.
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