COMMENTARY
The conversation took place a couple of weeks ago at the Care of Creation booth at "Green Day", an Earthday event in Madison. I had already had dozens of conversations that had ranged from curiosity ("Really? A Christian organization here???") to congratulations ("Thanks for being here…"). But this guy was different. To start with, he towered over me, and I’m not short. And he was so emotional he almost couldn’t speak.
When he did, his words came pouring out. He is an environmental scientist, and he is convinced that the human race has allowed things to go beyond the point of no return. We can’t fix it any longer. All we can do is to prepare for the consequences of environmental catastrophe. He was as close to a person in despair as anyone I’ve seen.
What would you have said to him? He might be wrong about the severity of the problem. I hope he is, though he has a certain amount of professional credibility. What he is not wrong about is his expectation that the church should have something to say about what is happening to God’s creation. Here is a person who loves God’s world, who looked to God’s people for answers and who found the door closed.
We talked for awhile, and he walked away – a little less upset, but far from convinced that the church has anything to offer him or humanity as we navigate the crisis engulfing creation. I doubt if I will ever have another chance to talk with him. But there are so many others like him in our universities and even in our neighborhoods. It’s as if they are collectively saying, "You people say you love God – why don’t you care about what’s happening to his world?"
That is why we at Care of Creation are doing what we’re doing. And as we enter our fourth year, the idea is beginning to catch on. Here are a few of the comments we’ve had through our website recently:
- "Congratulations on your pioneering work. The Church is proud of you. I trust that the current troubles in Kenya hasn’t unduly affected your labours there. We’re praying for that country, which seems like a key Christian presence in Africa."
- "I am so glad to have found your site. I am a believer and have been desperately searching for environmentally friendly sites that are Christ based and not "New Age". Thank you so much for all that you do."
- "You, your staff in Madison, as well as Craig, Tracy, Francis and all the others in Kenya are in our prayers and thoughts as well. We are encouraged by these newsletters. Keep them coming."
If you are one of those who has expressed this kind encouragement to us, thank you!
Click here for more information on the Madison-based Care of Creation ministry.