So I’m in my final semester of my masters studies in ‘transformational development’ through Eastern College of Australia. The course has been profoundly helpful on a number of levels: the space to explore the interaction between theology and community development, the opportunity to sit under teaching from people with different cultural backgrounds and perspectives, and the encouragement of studying with folks from a host of other countries doing similar work. I’m going to miss it when I’m done!
Last semester we did a unit on climate change, particularly looking at the impact it has on poor communities who have contributed the least to climate change but are ironically the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This unit has probably hit me the hardest and moved me the most.
Evangelical Christians have typically been found in the denial camp on climate change, and we are not leading the way on this issue despite having clear biblical mandates to look after the earth and love our global neighbours through it. The burden of responsibility lies heavily on those living in industrialised nations like Australia, and yet we seem more concerned about maintaining our lifestyles than addressing this issue.
And so I chose to look at the biblical concept of Christians ‘participating in the redemptive suffering of Jesus’, and how that might shape the response of rich Christians like myself to climate change. We hold that the cross is at the centre of our theology and lives, and we regularly talk about ‘taking up our cross to follow Jesus’, but my concern is that we often empty the cross of it’s power by spiritualising and sanitising its consequences. My question is essentially, what kind of cross are we carrying and what might it look like to ‘take up our cross’ on the issue of climate change?
If you’re concerned about climate change and are interested in the intersection between theology and climate change, this one might interest you. If you’re a Christian and you’re not concerned about climate change or theology, I’d particularly encourage you to have a read 🙂 You can read it here: Reforestation through the planting of crosses. I’d be keen to hear your thoughts, feedback or response on it. I don’t own the monopoly on any of this stuff, and I’m keen to learn from you too.
patmos 
Hi Clinton,
A very thought provoking and prophetic writing. I commend you for encouraging us as disciples of Jesus to discover what it means to take up the cross, and that you’ve done well.
However, I think that this message is the same for those who have become aware of climate change, or who look through climate change lenses, as to those who do not believe that climate change is true, or who see this as outside of their realm.
For example, I have an uncle, who, through his life-time experience as a fisherman, sees climate change as cyclic. His responsibility for God’s creation and its restoration should be just as real for him as one who is concerned through the impetus of climate change.
Maybe you could consider weaving this aspect into your writings for the less informed or sceptics; I believe you can also bring those along in this story, to still powerfully impact many more. As an example; when I speak to our people at Coastline Kitchens, I have to speak to both those who acknowledge God as creator and our role in the care of creation, and those who don’t believe in God and still have the same role in caring for the environment. And no, it’s not post-modern☺.
We can humbly reach both and God can do the rest.
Another small matter, just to show that I’ve paid attention when reading ☺
Page 11……
He has stood in front of a hungry crowd with only a few loaves and fish; cried out with a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!”
While I know you have combined 2 stories, here it seems as though Jesus cried out with a loud voice at the scene of the hungry crowd. You could write something like;
He has stood in front of a hungry crowd with only a few loaves and fish; had compassion on them and fed them. Later, rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, he cried out with a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!”
Anyway, thanks heaps for writing and sharing what you learn.
kind regards
Daniel Bosveld
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the thought provoking response – I really appreciate it, and it’s helpful for me. You are correct that this paper makes the assumption that climate change is a given and real thing – I haven’t gone into the detail of why I think this is true, and so you’re right – I haven’t addressed the skeptics in the room. This wasn’t so much a case of not wanting to engage them in conversation as much as a shortage of room in the paper.
You also rightly point out that I’ve missed engaging all those who aren’t of the Christian faith – so 96% of Australians right 🙂 That’s a great point, and I think that you do that particularly well in your role at Coastlines – I have a lot to learn from you in this regard, and I admire the way that you gracefully but meaningfully engage both those of the Christian faith and those who aren’t in your workplace. It is a very interesting question, as the starting place for conversation about climate change with Christians might be (but doesn’t necessarily have to be) very different than a conversation with secular folk.
Anyway – a helpful and thought-provoking critique! They are welcome any time 🙂
Thanks,
Clint.