Today is Earth Day. Around 1 billion people in over 190 countries will take part in celebrating this earth and raising awareness of preserving its environmental health. It’s big.
A virtual summit on the environment is taking place today. The news is full of references to the summit, Earth Day and environment issues.
Climate change: Biden summit to push for ‘immediate’ action
But did you know that the first person to propose an Earth Day was motivated by his Christian faith?
The name of John McConnell Is likely not that well known to most of us. I’d certainly not heard of him until I listened to today’s devotional from Lectio 365.
John’s faith gave him a concern for this world that included the environment. One of his favourite Bible verses was from Psalm 115:
“The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind.” (Psalm 115:16 NIV11)
He worked in the plastics industry and became concerned about the impact of that material on the environment. That was back in the 50s and 60s. Still we struggle to contain the plastic poison.
Not so long ago my wife and I recorded a series of podcasts and videos on the theology of ecology. I’ve decided to follow this up, prompted by Earth Day, with some further posts. One of the most common responses I have received from my previous materials is, “What can I do?”, “How can I make a difference?”. By normal people. Like you and me.
Therefore, I will begin to share practical things that my wife and I are doing. Most of them are small. Perhaps they won’t make a massive difference. But they might inspire you, and prompt you to suggest other ideas to me and people who are interested.
I wholeheartedly believe this verse from Psalm 24:
“The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;” (Psalm 24:1 NIV11)
This earth belongs to God, it has been lent to us. The way that we use it either honours the one who lent it to us or dishonours him. Indeed, the way we use it causes harm to others or awe in other people. What will we choose? I hope that future posts will inspire us, and myself, to live up to what we already believe.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please email me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
Many thanks and God bless,
Malcolm
