As with just about every other hot-button issue, the Bible has a large part to play when discussing global warming. People on both sides of the argument of climate change point to passages in the Bible to support their case, interpreting the same scripture in fundamentally different ways.
First, there is the school of thought that views the Bible as a call to action on global warming and climate change. To these people, the warnings of the Bible are a call to arms, to take care of the world and the environment, and to treat it with reverence and respect. They point to certain passages in the Bible such as Ecclesiastes 3:18, which is believed to reference carbon emissions, as a sign that taking care of the environment is a Christian duty.
On the other side of the debate are those who argue that the Bible doesn’t say anything about global warming, or that if it does, then it is not an indication of divine disapproval of climate change. They view the Bible as an instruction manual on how best to live one’s life and relationship to others, rather than a strict set of rules on how to take care of the land. Therefore, these people argue, the warnings of the Bible simply provide a moral framework for looking at the issue, rather than an explicit instruction on what to do about it.
The fact of the matter is that interpreting the Bible is a subjective task. Different passages are given different interpretations depending on the reader’s understanding and perspective. Therefore, coming to a definitive statement about what the Bible has to say about global warming is impossible. Even so, it is possible to look at the Bible from a holistic view and see that it does contain several directives that can be interpreted as instructions on how to treat the planet, such as focusing on sustainability and caring for the environment.
At the same time, one must take into account the other pressing issues that the Bible speaks of, particularly those related to poverty, lack of healthcare, and injustice. In this context, the climate change debate may appear secondary and even insignificant. This highlights the complexity of the debate and the difficulty of coming to a conclusion as to what the Bible really has to say.
Regardless of one’s personal beliefs, it is clear that the Bible carries a lot of weight when it comes to discussing and debating global warming. People can and do use the Bible to bolster their arguments, and it is important to keep an open mind and allow for the possibility of different interpretations. Only then can we come to an educated, informed decision about climate change in the face of diverse opinions.
To help the debate about global warming move in the right direction, it is essential for individuals to take the time to research and understand the issue from all perspectives, including religious ones. Furthermore, it is essential for citizens to be aware of the ways in which their actions impact the climate, as well as the tangible, often devastating, consequences of climate change. We have a responsibility to be informed and to strive to create a better future.
