Global Warming and Christianity

Looking at some threads on the Internet about the Global Warming agreement, you can frequently find comments such as this.

"The climate has been changing ever since God created the world, and will continue to do so no matter what we lowly humans do or don't do. There have been periodic ice ages through the eons, followed by warming. I remember 30 years or so ago, we were told there was another ice age coming! Now it's catastropic 'warming'. Make up your minds!!!! They just found an ancient river below the sands of the Sahara Desert. Guess there was some climate change there in the past, eh? So when something like this happens, it is gradual; you either adapt, move to another area, or die. Simple. But to believe we can change anything like this is the height of arrogance, not to mention stupidity."

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/a-climate-deal-6-fateful-years-in-the-making...

The sense of these arguments is that climate is in control of God and will be what God wants the temperature to be.

Of course, I love that the comment refers to warming and cooling trends over the eons and offers as an example a bad headline from 30 years ago.

Anyway, I know many denominations support efforts to address global warming. Apparently though many denominations feel it is something best left in the hands of God.

What are your thoughts, first about whether global warming is an issue that needs to be addressed. Second about the role faith should have in deciding responsible action based on evidence that might contradict what faith is thought to call for.

In general does a belief that God is in control justify inaction?

Might be worth having a glance at the Climate denial is immoral, says US Episcopal church head thread as that already contains material from some denominations which might inform the conversation.

Thanks John.

I saw that thread when I came back active. It was a little too long for me to jump in. And there are plenty of threads here on climate control. I don't mean to start a new thread on climate control.

My question is somewhat more general.

What does God being in control mean as it relates to someone taking action.

For instance, the question made me think of Christians who advocate against gun control based perhaps on the argument that guns are needed for self protection.

And I know pastors who have a gun in the pulpit for protection.

Perhaps it might be asked whether God is in control also in the case of gun violence? If God wants someone shot by a gun what value is there in that person owning a gun?

>3 richardbsmith: Thanks, Richard. I think your question is worth a thread of its own. I suppose it's a form of the question as to whether our experience of God is as a divine puppet master or a loving relationship.

JTF,

I just noticed that this question is not greatly different from the post in Let's Talk Religion that quoted Rabbi Resh Lakish.