Revelation 21:1
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
In recent years, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and other multi-national bodies like the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO) have placed significant emphasis on globalized environmentalism as a means to address ecological challenges. Many of the proposals are extremely radical and with their wide implications should be a concern to us all. These include 15-minute cities, carbon credit, blocking sunlight, climate lockdowns, livestock culling, fertilizer limitation, and worst of all: population control.
As Christians, it is crucial to evaluate such agendas through the lens of our faith and discern their alignment with biblical principles. While environmental stewardship is an aspect of our Christian responsibility, we must exercise caution in embracing initiatives that may undermine our core beliefs and values. The Book of Revelation echoes the warning that the 'antichrist' wants to unite the world under his control, with an extremely dictatorial and destructive system where the people might not buy or sell unless they comply.
Preservation of Biblical Values
As Christians, our primary allegiance is to God and His Word. The agenda for globalized environmentalism has a tendency to promote policies and ideologies that conflict with biblical principles, such as scientism which often contradicts the sanctity of human life and God's sovereignty over creation. The more misanthropic environmentalists paint humans as a plague on the Earth. We should be wary of any agenda that disregards these foundational truths and potentially leads us away from God's intended purpose for humanity.
Technocratic Tendencies
The agenda for globalized environmentalism often relies on technocratic approaches that rely on authoritarianism and decrees from leading figures. As Christians, we should be cautious of relying solely on human knowledge and wisdom, recognizing the limitations of human understanding and the intrinsic corruption of worldly-minded people and systems. Instead, we should seek a balanced approach that acknowledges the role of faith, morality, and wisdom derived from biblical teachings.
Human-Centered Approach
While environmental stewardship is important, we must remember that human beings hold a unique and elevated position in God's creation. Their agenda may prioritize environmental concerns to the detriment of human flourishing and spiritual well-being, such as aiming to reduce population. Christians should advocate for a balanced approach that recognizes the intrinsic value of both the environment and human life, ensuring that policies promote the dignity and welfare of individuals created in God's image.
Avoiding Syncretism and New Age Spirituality
Environmental movements may sometimes become cult-like, and merge with New Age spirituality or syncretistic beliefs that contradict biblical teachings. One could even draw a likeness to sacrificing children to appease 'mother nature'. Christians must remain vigilant and reject any teachings or practices that compromise the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. By staying rooted in the truth of God's Word, we guard ourselves against being drawn into deceptive ideologies that can lead us away from the faith.
Subsidiarity and Local Solutions
A key principle within Christianity is subsidiarity, which emphasizes decision-making and problem-solving at the most local level possible. The globalist approach often centralizes power and decision-making in distant institutions, potentially diminishing the voices and agency of local communities. Christians should instead encourage empowering local initiatives and solutions that align with the unique needs and contexts of different regions, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility at the grassroots level.
God-Centered Approach to Creation
Our faith teaches us that God is the ultimate creator and sustainer of the universe. While environmental concerns may be valid and we are entrusted with stewardship, we must not succumb to an ideology that idolizes creation over the Creator. Christians should resist any narrative that excludes God from the conversation, recognizing that true environmental solutions must be rooted in a reverence for God's sovereignty and an understanding of His redemptive plan for creation.
Balanced and Ethical Solutions
Hard environmentalism may promote policies that disproportionately burden developing nations or infringe upon the rights and freedoms of individuals, essentially backdoor socialism. Christians should seek environmentally responsible solutions that are also ethically and socially just, taking into account the well-being of all people, especially the marginalized & vulnerable. By promoting balanced approaches, we can strive for sustainability that respects the dignity of every human being.
Gospel-Centered Transformation
Our primary mission as Christians is to share the transformative power of the Gospel. Environmentalism may prioritize environmental activism and this fallen world over the proclamation of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. Christians should resist any agenda that detracts from our core mission of reconciling humanity to God and instead seek opportunities to integrate environmental stewardship within the context of holistic gospel transformation.
Discerning the Motives and Values
It is essential to discern the underlying motives and values driving the agenda for environmentalism. Often the core proponents tend to promote secular or humanistic beliefs that do not align with biblical principles and are using the environment as a front to give themselves more power, corporate profits and tax revenue. As Christians, we should evaluate the philosophical foundations and potential implications of any agenda, ensuring that it aligns with our faith and values.
Praying for God's Guidance
Above all, as Christians, we should continually seek God's guidance and wisdom in navigating complex issues like globalized environmentalism. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to lead and direct our thoughts, actions, and engagement. By aligning ourselves with God's will and seeking His discernment, we can resist agendas that may compromise our faith while actively participating in environmental stewardship that honours God and reflects His love for His creation.