A small group of evangelical churches are attempting to expand the concept of "pro-life" to include saving all life on earth through environmental consciousness. Led by Tri Robinson of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Boise, Idaho, this commendable environmental awakening is spreading to other like minded churches. Robinson's beliefs are based on his rereading of the bible. He believes god wants him to help save the planet.
“If you believe, as I do, that the ultimate end is not the destruction of the Earth but the healing of the Earth, you will be inclined toward wanting to work with God to see it restored,”
Robinson has serious detractors. James Dobson of Focus on the Family is not amused. Dobson has warned fellow evangelicals to keep focused on stopping abortion and gay marriage. Other religious leaders are more direct.
The Interfaith Stewardship Alliance, which includes Christian leaders with close ties to the Bush administration, argues that if humans are responsible for global warming, the costs of preventing it outweigh the harm it causes, said spokesman Calvin Beisner.
The Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the country, adopted a resolution in June denouncing environmental activism and warning that it was “threatening to become a wedge issue to divide the evangelical community.”
It is ironic that when a Christian does something that benefits all mankind, politically minded Christian leaders jump to appose his worthwhile efforts. How does recycling ink cartridges damage Dobson's politically charged anti-gay agenda? Or repairing a hiking trail? Robinson remains resolute in the face of opposition.
“God blesses small beginnings,” he said. “That’s why we’re trying to get people to recycle — do the little things. I believe God will meet us.
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