Christian response and responsibility
Rev Keduolhoulie Shiiya
D.Min (Scholar), Kohima
If George Lemaitre, the Father of the Big Bang theory and Charles Darwin, Evolution theory is considered right. We, as Christians, can be silent in; ‘Climate change’ or ‘Global warming’. To some extent, George Lemaitre and Charles Darwin’s theories are scientifically maybe considered them and their theories.
But as Christian and Bible believers, from the very first verse of the Bible and other followings (Genesis 1:1, 27) “ In the Beginning God created the heaven and the Earth, and God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:…” So we cannot agree with their theories.
The Bible says, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you, it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and every fowl of the air, and to every-thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herd for meal: and it was so. (Genesis 1:29, 30). The human was given the title “steward” over every creation of God “and the Lord God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15). We are stewards of the earth, and we have a responsibility to care for it.
What we are told in the Bible is that all humankind is to be good stewards of God’s creation as the entire world is His, “The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it, (Psalms 24:1) Every God creations are interconnected and God revealed in all His creation. (Romans 1:19-20)
Since God has entrusted the earth to us, it is right for us to take care of the planet and do what we can to help the earth. We can change in our everyday life to show God we are good stewards of what He has given us.
The UN (United Nations Environmental Program) Research shows that with 2ºC of global warming we will have more intense droughts and more devastating floods, more wildfires and more storms.
Today we are hearing news from every corner of the world, such as rising temperatures, increasing drought, increasing rainfall, flood, hurricane, typhoons, hail, increasing wildfires etc.
Mentioning Kohima in particular, the temperature is rising higher every day and even the Dimapurian says Kohima heat is becoming similar to Dimapur.
Today we see that almost in every home at Kohima, people are installing the fan, air cooler, AC, and fridge, which means the climate is changing.
Today many organizations even Government are taking part in programs such as Earth Day, and Environmental day to educate our people also in planting trees, but are we forgetting after that day is over and forgetting what we lecture or listen or what we have planted. Climate change is not just because of Naga practice of Jhum Cultivation or deforestation. But taking a step to observe such an occasion with the world is appreciated-; let us practice in every day today life to care for nature and reduce climate change. If we don’t take a step today, we may suffer more.
God created humans and all His other creations so that one cannot survive or exist without depending on one another. Therefore, humans and nature are vice versa for survival.
16 December 2021, the United Nations environmental program published that, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Our fragile planet is hanging by a tread. We are still knocking on the door of climate catastrophe. It is time to go into emergency mode – or our chance of reaching net-zero will itself be zero.”
In this publication 10 ways you can be a part of the climate solution were given, but out of 10 in this article, I want to present 6 in our context as a Christian society.
Spread the word: Encourage your friends, family and co-workers to reduce their carbon pollution. Share, preach in church and discuss with church leaders and in public gatherings about the warning and God creation that we need to take care till the end.
Transform your transport: Church or ministry seems paralyzed without a vehicle and vehicles have become a fashion to us-; remember how those days without a vehicle, gospel and evangelism work has made such an impact. Let’s lessen using vehicles and use them only when it is very much needed or travel together. Let’s introduce and encourage bicycles.
Rein in your power use: Avoid turning every light bulb or tube that has been installed in rooms. Churches are now fancy with light which seems unnecessary. Christian lighting a single star during the Christmas festival can give the whole meaning of Christmas. Save power save money.
Tweak your diet, shop local and buy sustainable: Eat healthily. Encourage local farmers. We can feast without shopping in market but with organic and local. Every church can have own farm and grow fruit, vegetable, and herbs. This also will help the church in working together even outside the church. This can become one type of ministry where our children will remember their roots.
Dress (climate) smart: I believe the church will not become a place for the fashion show, the church aisle, or the stage as a fashion runway. The church is to worship God and only God alone. Buy fewer new clothes and wear them longer. Seek out sustainable labels and use rental services for special occasions rather than buying new items that will only be worn once. Recycle pre-loved clothes and repair them when necessary.
Plant trees: Planting trees can be church another great outdoor activity. Sometimes we see people plants tree for the sake of publicity. To plant trees, church not necessary need a plot of land but can plant tree where there is any free space. Best season to plant trees in Nagaland is from April – September. NB: take care that you plant.
I believe today, climate change can be the main political agenda to win the Government campaign. Christians living a holy life, hoping for a better future, is the core of every believer, but while we are still on this earth, let us remember and value the creation of our Almighty God, admire it and care for it. As a citizen and particularly Christians we all are responsible for taking care of our planet-; take a step today to reduce climate change and live a little longer and better future.
Human activities are the cause and our responsibility as creations of God to care for this planet in the best way we can.
