Is God Green? Are you Green?

To ask if a person is "green" in this highly enviromentally conscious world of today, is like asking are you Democratic or Republican. The views on global warming are about as divided as the Hatfield's and McCoy's (a little southern rivalry). Going "green," by far, is the politically correct thing to do. Employees are getting challenged daily by their leadership to "go green." Companies are spending multiplied thousands of dollars to transform their businesses into sustainable companies with as little carbon footprint as is possible. Living green, as per my working definition, means to consciously live in a harmonious manner with our ecosystem, while reducing as many potentially harmful actions to it as possible. Not because of global warming, but because this isn't my earth to begin with (Psalms 24:1). My question isn't is it politically expedient for me to live politically correct (that is like a dog chasing it's tell, trying to keep up with the ever political correctness). The real question is, what is the Biblically correct thing to do? I think it is time for a "theology of ecology."

IS GOD GREEN?

Does God really care what we do with the earth, it's atmosphere, the plant life and wildlife? Some would equate the fight to go green and save turtle's egg more valuable than saving a fetus of a mother? A panentheist, believes that God is in the trees, frogs, and dogs. Therefore, to save a tree from being cut down would be saving a piece of God. To believe everything Al Gore says about the environment a true assault and insult on reason and God. This is bad eco-theology.

Neither is the view that God isn't interested in climate change, the sustainability of the forest, waters and wildlife a sound Biblical argument. For conservative Christians to debate so strongly for the literal creation of the earth as God's amazing and miraculous work, but not be far more involved in the preservation of His miraculous work, it is duplicitous at best.

He, God, made this world and all that is in it for himself (Colo 1:16). He values all his creation and claims ownership to it all, man, land and the animals (Ps 50:10). He only gave us management rights to His creation (Gen 2:15). We need to understand that God lives in the praises of all His creation (Ps 19:1). God uses His creation as one of the tools to bring people into the saving knowledge of Himself (Rom 1:20). God greatly values all his creation.

Is God Green? You bet your sweet potato's He is. Are you?

ARE YOU GREEN?

I would hope that you would want to be "green" if God is "green." You can take steps forward to live a more intentionally aware and develop a life-style that is more sustainable. Beware, it may be more costly too.

1. Become informed about ways our lifestyle is affecting God's creation. Don't argue for or against climate change until you have done your home work. Check out some faith based environmental websites. These sites hopefully will hold a high view of God and His Word and promote Eco-stewardship:

http://www.restoringeden.org/
http://www.savinggodsgreenearth.com/
http://www.baptistcreationcare.org/

Other non-faith based, but full of helpful ideas
http://www.eco-cycle.org/
http://www.earth911.org/

2. Go plant something...with your family. Model for your children that God made this big blue marble and we must take care of it.

3. Begin somewhere today! Reduce: simplify, simplify, simplify. Remember, you own it then it owns you. Reuse: this could be as small as reusing plastic bags in the house to as large as "reusing" the car you have for an additional 10,000-20,000 more miles. Recycle: Participate fully in local community recycling efforts.

You might feel insignificant and not all that important doing your part. Read Zechariah 4:10, "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin."

Is God green? You tell me.