J.J. Buckfart* communications * environment * leadership * science *

Why do some Christians think that caring for the environment is a waste of time? In the early twentieth century, fundamentalists placed defending the faith as the top priority with such an intensity that there was little energy left for anything else. Christian movements that countered this notion of “defense at all costs” included the Salvation Army, and the Christian and Missionary Alliance. These movements tended to communicate the Gospel with words and actions. For example in the early days, the Christian and Missionary Alliance’s work included a rescue home for women, a home for rest and healing, a training centre for evangelists, missionaries, and rescue workers, an orphanage, and work with German immigrants.

Currently we are facing an environmental crisis. But what does environmental crisis have to do with faith in God and love for neighbour? I have noticed that some Christians have downplayed the necessity to care for God’s Creation to humanity’s determent. In a world where many cannot find essentials such as clean water and proper food, caring for Creation becomes an issue of caring for our neighbor and I believe is very important to God’s heart. The people most affected by climate change, excessive air and water pollution will be the world’s marginalized. They are already living at the margin.

Consider any large city. Generally, where are the poorest neighbourhoods found? Are they in the green manicured suburbs? Or are they located near dirty industry, or noisy rail-yards? Should the church love our neighbours by helping to create an environment that helps protect the most vulnerable populations from environmental health issues?