Green for Life

Causes of the Crisis: Ignorance, inertia & irresponsibility

Our present ecological crisis is due to several possible causes-ignorance, inertia and irrespon-sibility:

1. People were, and in some cases still are, unaware that their exploitation practices would be on a large scale and in the long run detrimen-tal.

2. As a result of former procedures, instituted at a time when a future tragedy would not have been expected, it now is too late or the inertia of the program has become so great that there appears to be little opportunity to reverse a trend.

3. Some people have acted with irresponsibility, preferring to ignore or disregard the balance of nature, the welfare of a species, and the interest of their fellow man for selfish reasons. As a result of modern technological advance, selfish men have had greater opportunity to exploit resources at the expense of others. It seems that we will need the cooperation of science and engineering for the wise exploitation of nature, which includes the animals and plants over which God has given man dominion. Our goal should be to optimize utilization of resources so that no unutilized excess capacity remains beyond that which is required for perpetuation.

Answer to Crisis

The answer to the present crisis lies not in the abandonment of man's God-given prerogative to have dominion over nature. White suggests that man should denounce this doctrine which has provided the climate for modern advance and that man should move toward the heretical position of Francis. The human race would be unwise indeed to abandon its throne; rather it should rule nature wisely, realizing its responsibility to toil for the glory of God.

What can he done now? Firstly, effort should be made to understand the present conditions, whether due to ignorance, inertia or irresponsibility. Each situation will have its own body of data, and proper understanding will require cooperation of many people, including the scientific community. Secondly, education is essential for present and future generations regarding past history, present conditions and advisable future tactics. Thirdly, we should embark on courses leading to active programs which will result in optimal utilization of resources. Fourthly, evangelization should be stressed in order that man properly may relate to God the Creator and to His creation.

Ultimate Needs

With knowledge, active programs and education we may expect to handle pretty well all problems except the nature of man. For this we need the power of God. So evangelization is the primary responsibility of the Christian as an answer to human selfishness. The answer lies not in rejection of one Biblical teaching but rather in acceptance of entire Biblical doctrine.

Mao has acted selfishly not because he wrongly believed that he was the master over the world, but rather because of his own sinful nature. Thus he has put personal interests ahead of God and of his fellow man.

What is needed is the transforming power of Jesus Christ in individual lives. This includes cleansing for sins of selfishness. Also the Bible should he accepted as Cod's revelation. By living with his Christian faith an individual will love God first and other men secondly. With this proper orientation toward God and His revelation man is most likely to exercise wise control over the whole of creation. (The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis, Lynn White, JR )