Christians & green politics

I do not think the world will end because of climate change. I do think Christians have a responsibility to care for God’s creation, as good stewards. I’m both a sceptic about some of what’s predicted, and yet also acknowledge that the climate has, is and does change.

Speaking at the start of COP26, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said we were at ‘one minute to midnight’ and it was time for action. The Archbishop of Canterbury clearly felt he needed to raise the stakes when he drew a comparison between inaction over climate change and what happened in Germany when the Nazis took over. Of course, he quickly apologised for that one.

Some Christians got right behind COP26, enthusiastically praying, holding services, and supporting this major gathering of world leaders. Others, like The Tron Church in Glasgow, put a somewhat provocative sign up saying that what really mattered was preaching Christ crucified. Well, amen to that! But does it wrongly suggest that the climate should not matter to Christians at all?

There’s a problem here. When it comes to climate change, Christians are asked to side with one of two groups. First, radicals who are terrified about the climate and think everyone else ought to be terrified as well. And secondly, cynics who think the whole thing is a hoax and wonder why our media keep giving so much airtime to the likes of Greta Thunberg.

My concern is this, and I suspect many other Christians feel the same way: I don’t think I fall into either camp. On the one hand, I read God’s unconditional promise to Noah in the covenant after the Flood in Genesis 9. God assures Noah that if the earth endures, there will continue to be summer and winter, springtime and harvest.

This isn’t to say there won’t be rising sea levels, forest fires, and other devastating events. But it is a sure promise that the earth will not be engulfed in water or flame – as some of the more zealous activists claim – if world leaders fail to reduce the carbon footprint. This tempers any alarmism I might be attempted to entertain.

At the same time, the apostle Paul says creation groans in bondage. I know sin affects not only human beings, but also the world around us as well, which is prone to decay. And not only is creation under the curse, but we as humans damage it by our actions and our sinfulness.

It seems to me that a balanced position is the best one when it comes to debates surrounding the environment. We should be concerned about the environment because we are stewards of God’s earth. And we should urge authorities to act with respect to creation. But we should not let our concern become an obsession, crowding out other important aspects of life and faith.

There’s also something about the alarmism of some when it comes to climate change that’s disturbing. It all feels manipulative, and quite probably deceptive as well. Christians should take great care to avoid sinful hyperbole when it comes to discussing issues like climate change.

Actually, societal concern about climate change is an opportunity for us. We can tell our neighbours, friends and family that in the Christian worldview, loving creation is part of our God-given calling. And we can show them creation isn’t what we worship – it’s the Creator that we love, honour, and live for.

As well as proclaiming the importance of respecting the environment, let’s proclaim Jesus Christ, whose being transcends the material world. And let’s remember with great joy the truth that those who trust in Christ will one day dwell with Him in a new, perfect creation, for all eternity. In the restored world, there’ll be no harmful climate change. And we will be at peace with the environment and with all around us.