“This is not a fad.” These were in the closing words of an interview given recently by David Rhoades, professor of New Testament at LSTC. Rhoades is a pioneer of an environmental ministry program at the seminary.
With recent debate being renewed about global warming, it is critical for us to examine where we as Lutherans and as Christians stand in regard to caring for God’s Creation. The letter this month from Philip Knutson, our missionary in Africa (see page 2), calls for us to take immediate action to support our brothers and sisters in poverty-stricken lands by urging the U.S. Senate to act.
Here is the full context of David Rhoades’ words, talking about caring for God’s Creation:
“We Christians are in this for the long haul. This is not a fad. This is a way of life that fosters a sustainable earth for many generations to come. What will sustain us in this vocation? We do not think that fear or guilt or outrage or grief will be adequate motivation. What will
nurture us is the grace of God, the very Grace of God that continues to create and sustain life everywhere. God’s own love for creation will nourish us to take the steps and make the sacrifices we will need to make in order to secure life for ourselves and for generations to come.”
You can read all of the interview and find a great many ideas for actions congregations can take by downloading this file from the internet: http://www.webofcreation.org/ActionSuggestions/seeds_090304.pdf.
Grace Church has a Greening Grace committee which can use your help if you have a concern about how our church can respond to this need. Contact Bill Dobias or Elaine Hooven if you would like to help.
Comments