Usually (but not always), I like Jerry Falwell. I think he's got a great University program established. I think he's got great political and legal organizations going. But today, I think he's off the mark.
A couple of days ago I received the “Falwell Confidential” as I regularly do. This email is a platform for Mr. Falwell to give his opinions on topics, create awarenesses, or generate support for events that strike his fancy. Generally, since I have a similar world-view, I'm OK with what he sends out and it keeps me informed on whatever has his dander up. (And, for the record, I'd recommend it to others.)
But the most recent “Confidential” is way off. Jerry effectively says a couple of points I don't get:
- If we can't do A LOT to control our effects on the climate, then we shouldn't do anything.
- Since he (and the National Association of Evangelicals) do not believe that we're even affecting the climate, then the folks supporting this effort are wrong since they're promoting evangelicals being GOOD STEWARDS of Earth.
No, these aren't quotes, but if you read the above message from Mr. Falwell, it IS the spirit of how he presents it.
For SO MANY reasons, I disagree. Let's review a few of them:
- Doing something IS better than doing nothing. Maybe we'll slow any effects we MIGHT be having.
- Whether or not global warming is real, we know the same chemicals have bad effects on people. Reducing the levels of those chemicals would benefit people, if not the climate/Earth.
- If God created it (and I'm sure Mr. Falwell believes this), then it's not ours anyway and we SHOULD be good stewards of it.
- I want to teach my children that being aware of our effect on nature/Earth/climate/etc doesn't make us or them a freak, it makes them obedient and respectful of God's creation. Paper recycles, so why not recycle it and save a tree? Plastic recycles, so why not recycle it and NOT just throw our crap in a hole somewhere to rot (over eons)? It's just smart.
Sorry Jerry. You missed this one.
Later.