The issue of global warming is an increasingly contentious one and has been widening the chasm between believers and non-believers across the globe, regardless of faith. Christians are one population that have been grappling not only with the implications of climate change, but also with the uncertain implications of their own beliefs. This article seeks to provide a balanced overview of the reasons why many members of this demographic might hesitate to accept the weight of scientific evidence that supports the existence of global warming and to provide a call-to-action for a more informed and educated response.
To begin, it is important to understand why many Christians may struggle to accept the science behind global warming in the first place. Central to the Christian belief system is the concept of “Creation Care,” or the good stewardship of the environment and natural resources that are the gifts that God has given us. The idea is to use those resources in ways that maintain the balance of the ecosystem, allowing us to prosper and thrive in accordance with God’s plan. Therefore, when confronted with the scientific evidence and predictions provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and other organizations and individuals, Christians may struggle to reconcile their spiritual beliefs with the scientific evidence.
The counter-argument to this is that faith and science are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many believe that they can work in tandem to understand and address the threats posed by global warming. An example of this is provided by Pope Francis through his 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si,” which calls for believers to acknowledge and take action against the “grave problems” of global warming and pollution. In this sense, Pope Francis calls on Christians to integrate faith and science as part of a unified approach to creating a sustainable world for future generations.
Another aspect of the dispute is the lack of understanding of the local and regional implications of climate change, something that is often missed in the debates over global warming. For example, many Christians living in areas that are more likely to be affected by global warming and its consequences, such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather, may be hesitant to accept the science until they have seen the effects first-hand.
This hesitation, however, must be weighed against the measurable and observable evidence of global warming that is already being seen worldwide. This includes changes in glaciers and sea levels, changes in the climate and weather patterns, and an increase in the intensity and frequency of natural disasters. All of these factors have been linked to global warming, making it difficult to deny its existence.
Evangelical Christians, in particular, may struggle to accept the science that supports the existence of global warming. Many view it as un-Christian to put faith and trust in “man-made systems” rather than the word of God and fear that accepting the evidence of global warming will detract from their spiritual faith. However, this perspective is based on a misunderstanding of science and the true implications of global warming, focusing instead on a distrust of technology and science in favor of spiritual faith.
Ultimately, it is important for Christians to recognize that their religious beliefs should not be a barrier to fully understanding and accepting the overwhelming scientific evidence that exists in support of global warming. A balanced approach to embracing both faith and science is necessary in order to effectively address the global threat of climate change. Doing so means educating oneself on the facts, listening to scientific experts, and proactively engaging in efforts to reduce the negative impacts of global warming on our environment, our health, and our society.
