Written by J. Matthew Sleeth, a former ER doctor, Serve God, Save the Planet is Christian call to action. I think Francis Shaeffer put it best, "If I am going to be in the right relationship with God, I should treat the things he has made in the same way he treats them."
I'll be honest, this book is a personal challenge for me. I tend to disregard large portions of the global warming argument, and find myself frustrated that the concern is more for creatures and less for humans. However, I am concerned about the environment, and would like to be a more contentious consumer who contributes positively to the world (socially, politically, spiritually and environmentally). So, reading this book is me easing my way into a more informed position and life style.
Right off the bat, page 1 of the forward Rev. Richard Cizik sets the tone and position for the rest of the book. "The earth is on the verge of ecological collapse, and we are the cause." I know that this is a hotly contested issue, potentially the dividing line between two opposing groups. I tend to be one to disagree, that we are not the sole cause of this pending ecological collapse, however that does not negate our role in being better stewards of the planet.
In Chapter 1 Sleeth describes the things he and his family have done to live a less materialistic, more environmentally friendly life. They sold their big house and downsized, instead of leaving 2 barrels of trash every week, they now leave 1 bag every few weeks, they hang their clothes out to dry, and grow a vegetable garden. Sleeth wrote, "Because of these changes we have more time for God. Our spiritual concerns have filled the void left by material ones."
Caring for the environment as the responsibility of each and every individual is something I can get on board with! "...as those who consider themselves people of faith-grow in their understanding that God holds people accountable for care of his creation, we will begin to see positive changes on an unprecedented scale."
It is time that we begin to care and think critically about the consequences of our choices.
1 comment:
It's a novel idea really... but I want to know how a family goes from leaving two big bins full of garbage out a week for collection to one every FEW WEEKS??? Hmmm.
And - personally - my concern is way more for the suffering people of this world than the suffering creatures, but I do like to try and do my part to "save the earth."
I love you Heather girl. I wish I had as much interest in the world around me as you do. I am still too selfish :)
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