Theology affects Ecology? Quote to Ponder: John MacArthur (repost, 12/3/08)

March 15, 2010 By Kurt Willems 29 Comments

Here is a quote I came across while doing research on God’s Mission. It is by: John MacArthur…

The environmental movement is consumed with trying to preserve the planet forever. But we know that isn’t in God’s plan… The earth we inhabit is not a permanent planet. It is, frankly, a disposable planet—it is going to have a very short life. It’s been around about six thousand years or so—that’s all—and it may last a few thousand more. And then the Lord is going to destroy it…. I’ve told environmentalists that if [Read more...]

Filed Under: (Series) Quote to Ponder, Ecology, Eschatology, Evolution, Fundamentalism, Theology, Tribulation Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , 29 Comments

Is Ethical Buying the New Legalism? part 2

February 27, 2010 By Kurt Willems 16 Comments

It has been about a week since I did a post about the dilemma between purchasing ethically and becoming a new kind of legalist. I want to draw some attention to an idea that came through a few of the comments that were shared on the last post. It is the tension between the almost typical mark-up of both organic and fair trade goods, and the un-affordability of such products for those in poverty in the U.S.A. or other “Westernized” countries. How would low-income families survive without these ‘cheaply’ and ‘efficiently’ made goods (which most likely are not produced ethically)?

A couple of comments should be made:

1. Ethically made products are becoming more readily available for the average consumer. I can purchase “fair trade” coffee for almost the same price as [Read more...]

Filed Under: Culture, Ecology, Kingdom of God, Missional, Politics, Social Justice Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , 16 Comments

Is Ethical Buying the New Legalism? part 1

February 20, 2010 By Kurt Willems 17 Comments

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a book called, “The Better World Shopping Guide” and the corresponding “Better World Shopper iPhone App.”  It is an invaluable resource for anyone who cares about ethical buying.  Tools like this remind us that what we purchase at the grocery store, fast food restaurant, car dealership, coffee shop, pharmacy, department store, clothing store, etc can have an impact on planet, communities, families, and individuals.  Business is not simply competitive, but can become a form of social Darwinism that oppresses people.

I’ve been on quite the personal journey in the area of ethical buying (fair trade) over the past few years.  The first time that I ever realized that my purchases are connected to people across the globe, and that they can have ill effects on the environment, was when I read the life changing book “Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire” by Walsh and Keesmaat.  I then got online and determined that everything that I would purchase from then on would be ethical; I would not be part of the system of injustice!  I was ready to subvert the imperial machine! But, the more I searched the more difficult it became to make this a practical lifestyle.  Perhaps that is the problem, but maybe not everyone is ready to become a vegan who never goes to restaurants and makes his or her own clothes out of organic fabric. (I truly do admire the radical monastic’s [Read more...]

Filed Under: Culture, Ecology, Faith Journey, Greg Boyd, Missional, Politics, Recommended Resources, Social Justice Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , 17 Comments

Alaska Drilling? Yea or Nay? (Repost-5/7/08)

February 10, 2010 By Guest Contributor 15 Comments

This is a Repost from back in May of 2008, but the question is still relevant to us right now…

I was watching Good Morning America this morning and they are doing a special called “Seven Wonders of America.” The first of these was the National Mall, and today’s was the Alaskan Wilderness. ABC.com says the following about this place…

“This is what is meant by undisturbed nature — some 19 million acres that make up the extraordinarily remote Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
More PhotosLying wholly above the Arctic Circle in northeast Alaska, it is the nation’s largest and most northerly wildlife refuge, a special corner of the globe that promises unparalleled solitude, challenge and adventure.
Only about 1,200 to 1,500 people make the trek here every year. Unlike the vast majority of the country’s public lands, ANWR’s mission is to put the sanctity of wilderness ahead of the needs of visitors.
In this vast area approximately the size of South Carolina (keep in mind that Alaska is the largest state in the country, twice as large as Texas, the next largest state), there are no visitor centers, no campgrounds, no roads and no trails.”

The issue of the day has to do with the cost of gas. I hate paying 4 bucks a gallon. With that said, is it theologically sound to disrupt the Alaskan wilderness in order to save a couple of bucks? Should we, theologically speaking, drill for oil if the risk involves disrupting the uncorrupted beauty that God created? Does American wants for saving money equal a justification to become poor stewards of God’s world? You probably know my answer… but what do you think?

Filed Under: Ecology, Politics Tagged With: , , , , , , , 15 Comments
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