ELCA Magazine Addresses Man-Made Global Warming as Fact

2/13/2013

The Lutheran, an ELCA magazine, published a story this month under their section “Deeper understandings” and the topic was “Faith and science.” In a previous Exposed blog we dealt with this article's offensive comments and non-Biblical support of evolution. (see here) The same ELCA article also had some strong words on man-made global warming and a message for people who do not believe global warming is true.

ELCA Professor Gilson A.C. Waldkoenig of Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (Pa.) referenced new scientific evidence for global warming in the article and stated, “human beings warm the atmosphere through relentless burning of fossil fuels and consumption of earth's habitat.”

Prof. Waldkoenig also commented:

“Many Christians look at findings about global warming as real and present reasons to repent and change behavior, and an invitation to walk humbly in God's shadow rather than proudly in front.”

Then addressing those who do not believe global warming is happening or that man is responsible for it, Professor Waldkoenig said “If you don't like some scientific finding you can re-test based upon more data, but data and scientific findings don't care if you believe them or not. . . When we waste our belief on other things besides God, it is what the Bible called idolatry, and Jesus also called foolishness. Likewise, disbelief of some things that are not God can be foolish and even idolatrous, on par with misdirected belief.

For example, if 'disbelief' of global warming protects arrogance that humankind has a right to destroy anything that exists, it is a kind of idolatry standing in the way of true belief and devotion to God, as well as a foolish approach to God's creation.” (see here)

Two thoughts; 1) the ELCA is using the inherent respect and trust given to religious leaders, by its members, to influence them toward the denomination's liberal positions and 2) even if you believe in man-made global warming, it is not right for a denomination to falsely call people foolish and idolaters because they don't hold to the liberal view of the denomination.

2 Comments

Chuck Braun

2/14/2013 01:29:57 am

While Christ intended for His message of salvation through trust in Christ to be spread throughout the world, He also taught that such faith would produce good works to both the saved and the unsaved. This would impel Christians to feed, clothe and house the needy, both of the Church and of the unbelieving world. We need to present both bread for this earthly life, and the living Bread of Eternal Life, Jesus Christ, to our world.

That is why Christians should be pro-life, and protect the unborn, the orphan, the widow, the children, the persecuted and imprisoned, and all in need. It is indeed true that when Christ returns, this planet will be destroyed, and a new earth will be made, with the Holy City being established eternally on it. However, even though the saved will have new eternal bodies in the world to come, we are wise to take proper care of our earthly bodies for the sake of God, those we love, and our own selves.

In likewise fashion, while we know that this present earth will meet its end, we should try to take care of it, so that more people can live longer, and thus be more able for the Gospel of salvation to reach them. And since God has created all the flora and fauna, we should care for them as well. But the needs of the human race made in the image of God must never be placed above the welfare of the animals and plants. We would be wrong to worship or idolize the earth, which some environmentalists seem to do.

I learned about the greenhouse effect in the mid 60's, as a scientific fact, with no spiritual implications being made about it. It is a good thing that we don't have horse manure in the streets. The car solved that problem, but started another, namely air pollution. It is a good thing that we do not have to cook our food outdoors over open flames, or sleep with the barn animals to keep warm in winter. It is good that we can have safe lighting at night. But to do these things requires the burning of fossil fuels. Since nuclear energy scares me, I see no sin in developing solar, wind and hydroelectric energy sources. If we could do this, and at least partially wean ourselves off these fuels, it would be a good thing.

No, we cannot save the earth from eventual destruction. But we should try our best to take care of it while it is still under our stewardship. We are to present God's light of salvation in Christ to the world. But we are also the salt, by which we mean the preservative, of the earth. Never should we put human life in jeopardy to save animals. Neither should we be cruel to our animals, created for our responsible use and His Glory.

One could say the ELCA has gone to the point of saying "We save whales, not souls." That's too extreme. But I cannot disagree with them in the fact that the earth's temperature has gone up. It may be in part to both natural and human causes, and hopefully it may decrease if it indeed cycles up and down over the millenia. Ultimately, the earth will be burned up. But it's for God to know when. Until that time, let us care for the earth and its peoples and continue to allow Christ to use us to present Him and His Gospel of salvation to these people whom He came to save.

Janet Muldoon

2/14/2013 08:33:07 am

Stewardship of the earth is a command. We are to care for and replenish the earth for future generations. However, God rules and will determine when the earth comes to an end. The question of us humans, the children of God, is to follow God by the way of His Son, JESUS..the only way to eternal life.

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ELCA Magazine Addresses Man-Made Global Warming as Fact

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