DMB

I have to speak up for xians here! (Don't die of shock!)

I do know some wonderful xian environmentalists. I also happen to know a few totally uncaring atheists. I agree, though, that the stuff in the bible about everything being there for mankind has led to some inexcusable behaviour both towards the environment in general and animals in particular. But only on the part of some xians.

DMB

It has just occurred to me that the wonderful xian environmentalists I know are not American. I suppose there may be a particular problem with a certain kind of American (especially fundie) xianity.

freemonkey

I think the most important thing about all this is that now you are becoming aware of this stuff. And being aware, you are now able to do something to help.

I know what you mean about being shocked at yourself for never having given it much thought. I've had similar experiences. It's a bit scary, and even embarassing.

Mad Kally

DMB, you hit the nail on the head about some of them in the US. Here's my mothers type:


I'm serious! They are really freaky! They ALL love to tell you you'll go to hell if you don't tithe and send them your seed faith money. (profit preachers) They all live in huge multi-million dollar mansions.

[ July 21, 2002: Message edited by: Mad Kally ]</p>

HelenM

Originally posted by Mad Kally:

posted by Helen:
OTOH perhaps you are self-absorbed with your quest to free yourself from your previous self-absorption.

I don't think so. I've been a nonbeliever for years. (in the closet) Even though I didn't even know another atheist, I've always noticed the self-absorbtion of fundies. My mother has been like that since she first attended a Sunday school as a child. EVERYTHING FOR JESUS! My mom is not the only one out there. Turn on <a href="http://www.tbn.org" target="_blank"> TBN. </a>

I take your point; I was just trying to tease Talulah a little

love
Helen

wildernesse

I think this is an interesting topic because I get my need to help people and care for the environment from my Christianity. I think we are to be caretakers of the Earth, and also recognize the place we carve out in the ecology of the whole scheme of things. Also the “love your neighbors” part leads me to want to work really hard to make sure people can live in peace and dignity TODAY. Although I am a Christian, I recognize that this is the only life I have—and the only life you have too. After I’m dead, I can’t enjoy this life. Why shouldn’t I work to make it better? I’ve heard it said that there are some people who are so heavenly minded that they’re no earthly good. I hope I’m never one of them.

--tiba

Terracotta

Talulah, I understand exactly what you are saying. I am continually amazed by the way different aspects of life and the world look now that I can see them without my Xian blinders.

And yes, wildernesse, I do realize that there probably are many, many environmentally conscious Xians. I understand the reasoning behind what you expressed, and I wish more people held those ideals. I admire you and your open-mindedness. However, like Talulah, I grew up in a very conservative (Church of Christ) environment. The prevailing attitude is akin to that expressed above by Rush Limbaugh - that there is little need to be concerned about the environment because God has a plan for everything that happens. I am now horrified that I ever thought that way.

I don't take our Earth for granted anymore. It saddens me to think about how we as humans have treated our home, and I know that I'm just as guilty as the next person. I started subscribing to Mother Earth News, a wonderful magazine about nature-friendly living. I've been trying to convert our little homestead to more environmentally friendly practices. I've developed a love (almost an obsession, actually) for organic gardening and a distaste for harmful chemicals and pesticides that are used so freely.

That really is what it boils down to. And whether our environmental views stem from atheism or theism, we all need to work together to make our home the best we can for future generations. If we don't do it, who will?

Scotty

It is a huge eye-opener to realize that you don't have a safety net anymore.
I know not all religious people ignore the environment, but when you realize you don't have that "it will be a better place" waiting for you, you step up and take notice of everything.
Some things take on a bigger significance, others just seem like drivel (like, why don't we feed the entire world? Why is there poverty? These are within our grasp, but we don't do it because of what? Money?)
We are one planet, we should all get over the petty squabbles, they are all pointless.

-Scott

Secular Pinoy

I want to do my part to save the environment, but if there will be a conflict with mankind and nature, as a humanist I will always put humanity above all else. I would say that I am a lukewarm environmentalist. I can relate with talulah. I also saw the problems with nature when I deconverted. I must admit that I moved pretty far to the left, and for the longest time I was a pinko tree hugger. Until I got to see the lies and distortion on the fringe greens. No point cooking data and evidence. I don't think we need to exaggerate figures to impress people. I always believed in truth and reason, and in the environmental movement need not sink to the level of Earth Exploiter tactics. What I saw from the Green Left prompted me to move to the middle.

And, hey welcome aboard to freethought, talulah. You are now free!

Talulah

I love that quote. I am going to print it out. Thanks.

[ July 22, 2002: Message edited by: Talulah ]</p>