The planet is facing major ecological problems: global warming, loss of species diversity, loss of forests and arable land, disposal of garbage and toxic waste, pollution of air, land, and water, over-population, depletion of non-replaceable natural resources, diminution of food sources, ocean acidification and collapse of fisheries, among others. And the survival of creation as we humans have known it is at stake. Here are five principles for a Christian response. (Photo by NASA)
Here’s a detailed article by Bill McKibben published in the latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine that explains the chilling math of climate change. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, McKibben’s thoughtful analysis is a must-read for anyone who cares about the stewardship of creation. Click here to access the article. (Photo by […]
JUST LIVING Blog Have you started your preparation and cooking for Thanksgiving yet? For most of us here in North America, the meal will be a dandy one replete with family recipes, everyone’s favorites, and a table or buffet filled with delicacies. Even those who will be sharing community meals or serving in shelters and […]
One aspect of the Christian life that often gets little attention in most Lutheran confirmation programs is environmental stewardship. Following is a six-session program that concentrates on how each individual person interacts with his or her surrounding environment. The program has three basic goals; an awareness of how many resources it takes for each of us to live, an awareness of the amounts and kinds of waste each of us generates, and an awareness of our human and Christian responsibility to steward the use of God’s creation.
Rogation is the Eastertide celebration of the fields and orchards during planting time. Why not use it as a way to honor the earth at Springtime? It’s traditionally held the sixth week of Easter, but anytime’s appropriate to honor the processes of life. Here is a Rogation Service you can adapt for your own context: […]
Our blogger explores how a “Buy No Gas” Challenge leads to larger questions of consumption and entitlement. Her conclusion? Old habits die hard, and getting out one’s walking shoes is a good response. (Photo by Jay Cuthrell used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Many people throughout the church are concerned about ecological issues. The health and well-being of our planet affects everyone. What does the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the ministry of his church, have to offer a world concerned about its natural environment? (NASA photo taken by astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission to the moon.)
17th Sunday after Pentecost, September 19, 2010
Lectionary Reflection
Don’t let this Sunday’s texts pass by as casually as another retail transaction. We have an opportunity to open conversation and talk about how careful stewardship may affect all of God’s children in real and meaningful ways.
In this essay, Douglas John Hall explores stewardship of creation by asking the age-old question, “What are human beings for.” He rejects the pessimism of those who say the crisis is beyond hope, and instead he finds hope in Christ. (Photo by aussiegall, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
‘Just Living’ Blog
Summertime…and the living is, well hot and humid. Instead of cranking the AC a few degrees cooler, our blogger is turning the thermostat up and considering the impact of being cool on the planet and her neighbors.
