Pentecostal Ecology
by Ruben King
"This world is not my home, I’m only passing through . . . I can’t feel at home in this world anymore." A song of yesteryear that partially reflects some of the attitudes we have towards caring for the world we live in. Yet much of our time and energy is expended to make our abode here as homely as possible. The truth of the matter is, while we are here, ‘This world is our home’ and we need to be good stewards of our planet.
The old adage still used by many today "Cleanliness is next to Godliness," depicts the climatic emphasis African-Caribbean people have traditionally given to themselves and their surroundings. However, for the church to remain relevant in the 21st Century, it must become more actively involved environmentally and with sustainable development.
Some of our current activities already have positive effects on the environment, although they are not always classified as ‘green activities.’ Examples would include sharing transport to go to church (extensive use of minibuses reduces fuel consumption and air pollution), collecting items for people less fortunate than ourselves (recycling), harvest festival with locally grown produce (horticulture) and the provision of child care facilities that enable employment and education opportunities (sustainable development).
Daily we face the challenge of making the right choices that will affect us not only spiritually, emotionally, physically and economically, but also environmentally. Our decisions are sometimes trivialised and not enough careful consideration is given to any repercussions. In Genesis 13:1-13 whilst amidst a looming threat from the Canaanites and Perizzites, a conflict arose between the herdsmen of Abraham and his nephew Lot, ironically created by God’s blessing. The Bible describes Abraham and Lot as just men (Genesis 15:6; 2 Peter 2:7, 8), of the same stock and subject to the same environment (Genesis 11:31), yet the result of their respective choices at this crisis in their lives were different.
Lot "chose him all the plain of Jordan" for present advantage; which at the time was so lush that it caused Lot to think of the garden of Eden (Genesis 13:10). It appears Lot is turning his back on the Promised Land, for Sodom was just beyond the borders. Here his righteous soul was "vexed" from day to day (2 Peter 2:8), he was captured by foreign kings and had to be was rescued by Abraham (Genesis 14). At length, when the judgement of God descended on the guilty cities of the plain (Genesis 19:1-20), although Lot was miraculously delivered, when fleeing from the doomed city his wife "looked back from behind him, and became a pillar of salt."
In contrast Abraham "looked for a city which hath foundations" (Hebrews 11:10) and was cheered immediately when the Lord repeated His promises to him saying "Lift up your eyes now, . . . For all the land which you see, . . . I give it to you," Genesis 13:14-17 (NKJV). Abraham "came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre (fatness), which is in Hebron" (communion), Genesis 13:18. The men remain types of the worldly and spiritual believer.
So choices we make today can restrict or deteriorate the quality of life for ensuing generations and ourselves. Those particularly at risk from air pollution include young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people suffering from heart and lung diseases that live in urban areas. In the Government's view "the Department of Health's latest assessment is that air pollution is at present responsible each year for several thousand advanced deaths; for ten to twenty thousand hospital admissions, and for many thousands of instances of illness, reduced activity, distress and discomfort."1 For instance, conditions such as asthma can be aggravated by increased air pollution from unnecessary car journeys.
People don't always make a connection between the environment and issues like poverty and health - yet it tends to be the poorer people who live in urban areas that are blighted by graffiti and litter and are close to polluting factories and busy roads. By caring for God's creation you are also helping those in need, which is as much about social justice as it is about the environment.
Churches seriously endeavouring to reach out to their communities must suitably provide for the needs of older people, those who are physically-disabled or sensory impaired. On 1st October 2004 the final stage of the goods, facilities and services provisions in Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act will come into force. These new duties will apply to businesses and to other providers of services to the public. They are a further important step towards ensuring that disabled people have access to services that other people take for granted.
The above points cannot be evaded, but need to be strategically addressed. The church can contribute to improving its environment by incorporating themes about creation in worship & Christian education programmes, managing church premises more efficiently and considering the impact our personal lifestyles have on others. Other suggestions might include forming partnerships with the local community & organisations to address mutual concerns, promoting fairly traded & locally grown goods, investing ethically, etc.
To help Black Majority Churches engage with these vital issues an exciting and innovative new programme entitled Black Majority Churches Environmental Project has been developed. Initially a Pilot Study will be run within a framework of Christian worship, teaching and action. From this it is hoped that a full programme will evolve, aiming to support Black Majority Churches in their church life and community missions in both practical and spiritual ways. Churches interested in participating in the Pilot Study or interested in finding out more about the Project are invited to get in touch.
The choices we make today will bear consequences, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" Galatians 6:7 (NKJV). Choose to preserve the quality of life given to us by God.
Ruben is currently involved in developing the awareness and response of Black Majority Churches to environmental and social inclusion issues within inner city communities in England. He is a part of the ministry team at the New Testament Church of God in Handsworth, Birmingham, UK.
1. National Air Quality Strategy (1997) paragraph 4.13
A
timely word is like apples of gold in a setting of silver,
Proverbs 25:11
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