The Climate Is Changing

When I put together a list of the most important topics in religion and science in my recent book, in the changing climate of what's being discussed (if you can excuse a pun), one topic certainly received the #1 vote by a wide variety of people: Global climate change. To some this may seem unusual in the science and religion dialogue. In fact, the younger the respondent, the more critical this topic becomes. The climate is indeed changing, and this topic is trending.

There are numerous ways to approach the topic, and in this brief post, I've decided look at the topic as a follower of Jesus within a multi-religious context. (In fact, I'm addressing the topic of religious views on sustainability at the upcoming Chico State conference in March.) And so I start by saying that, as a Christian, I'm engaged in this topic because of our calling in Christ. Psalm 24 reminds us that the earth is God's, which implies that we need to care for it, just as Genesis 1:26-28 complements this affirmation with God's command to steward the earth. Eugene Peterson paraphrases that latter passage so beautifully,

“God spoke: ‘Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature./ So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle./ And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.’” 

Genesis 1, The Message

#1 Climate Change
Throughout the year, I spend many hours and days at conferences and meetings in the field of science and religion, and I can affirm that what Philip Clayton has written is largely accurate that there is near

“... universal agreement among scientists that humans are causing the climate of our planet to change; and there are clear teachings within every major religious tradition, from indigenous lifeways to New Age spiritualities, that the earth is to be protected and valued.” Philip Clayton

Indeed human-caused, or anthropogenic, climate change represents a topic that increasingly comes to mind in science and religion discussions, and the consensus among scientists is overwhelmingly that climate change really exists and that we human beings have caused it. 

As a result, the often staid and reserved leader in science--and the largest scientific organization in the world--the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has moved beyond its usual roles into more public advocacy and communication. In 2018 it launched “How We Respond,” a communication initiative to highlight how communities are actively and effectively responding to climate change at local, state and regional levels, and to demonstrate the critical role of science and scientists in informing these activities.”  In addition, AAAS through their Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) put together a fascinating discussion on climate change with climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe and Episcopal Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.

As I said, I'll keep this post multi-religious with more to come, but I do not that, as Christians, this broader base allows us to connect with non-Christians in order to make a difference. As I've mentioned, the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam prioritize their call to stewardship. Eastern religions also have their own contributions. Buddhism, for example, emphasizes compassion and the interconnection of all life. Hindus and Jains describe a soul in all things, and the latter’s accent on ahimsa can contribute a deep reverence for all life. 

Is there a way that we might join with others and take up this call? I certainly hope so. More to come in future posts...