Christians look at the earth as the handiwork of Jehovah the Creator (Gen. 1:1). They see the earth as God's wonderful gift which he has provided for our survival, joy and happiness. They feel it is their duty as stewards of God's treasures to take good care of His earth and pass it on to their posterity in as good condition or even better than they found it (I Pet. 4:10). They believe that the Creator furnished the earth with the things necessary for man's survival and prosperity. They accept the responsibility that they are to subdue the earth and have dominion over the creatures thereof (Gen. 1:28). They raise domestic animals for their wool, their hides and for food. Prior to the invention of farm machinery they used draft animals to till their land and pull their wagons. They used horses for their transportation. Because the earth is the handiwork of their God, they do not ravage it, abuse it or waste it. They thank God for his wonderful creation and see his creative hand in the wonders of the heavens and earth (Ps. 19:1).
We have neighbors who are greatly concerned about the earth. They are called environmentalists. While some of them worship of Jehovah, many of them hold a different kind of religion. Like the Hindus, they see the earth as having divine qualities. Some see it as the body of God. When you hear them speak of "Mother Earth" they are speaking in pagan terms which attributes to the earth sacred rights and powers. The revival of ancient paganism in the popular New Age religious movement has given great impetus to the Environmental Movement. While they do not publicly announce that their agenda is based on their pagan religious views, nevertheless it does play a part. Consider the following:
* To them creatures such as fish, birds, bats, mice are given preference over people.
* Certain trees and other exotic vegetation are often treated as intelligent life and again they are often given priority to people's needs.
* Many environmentalists are so committed to their cause that they feel they are above the law. We read of homes and buildings being burned by environmentalists. Research projects of scientists are wrecked and destroyed by environmentalists. People who are lawfully earning their living are often harassed and even assaulted by environmentalist pursuing their goals. Many times these environmental extremists actually put human life at risk and sometimes cause loss of innocent life.
* Environmentalists have made converts of many in our media and government. We are constantly bombarded with propaganda designed to frighten us or intimidate us and force us into compliance with their views.
* Today we are dealing with punitive gas prices. A major cause being, the environmentalists have successfully blocked every effort to increase coal and petroleum production. They have blocked all efforts for more nuclear energy plants. They want no additional power plants or refineries.
* The latest tactic of the environmentalist is the hysteria and panic over alleged global warming. To save the earth, the proposals they make will reduce us to lifestyle of the 1800s. Blinded by their self-righteous religious zeal, they care nothing for the hardships their plans cause others.
* The high priests of environmentalism excuse themselves from the harsh restrictions they seek to impose on the rest of us. They have their private jets, their SUVs and their multiple homes and mansions.
* They have their sacred days such as "Earth Day." They have their prophets such as Al Gore. They have their sacred books such as "The Silent Spring and An Inconvenient Truth." Their religion is taught in all our public schools.
* Their religion gives them tremendous power over the lives of other people who are forced to abide by their rules which they have convinced the government and courts to implement.
We who serve the Creator will worship Him alone. We will respect and give proper care to the earth/ home He has provided for us. Where we have lived and trodden the earth will be kept nice for those who follow us. We will not however be panicked and stampeded into the camp of the Environmentalists.
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