“The BIBLE Goes Green”
This was the headline of an article found in the first issue of Bible Study Magazine, which I received a couple days ago. The article/ad is short:
Red-letter editions will now have to add one more color – green. In The Green Bible, any words about God’s care of His creation or our responsibility to care for the environment are in green. There is also a topical concordance and “trail guides” for further study, as well as inspirational essays from Christian environmental leaders, advocates and thinkers. The Green Bible is printed on recycled paper with a linen cover. Even the ink used to print The Green Bible is earth friendly soy ink. The Bible is an NRSV translation.
Now, before I say what I’m going to say next, try not to misunderstand me. I do agree that God expects us to care for the environment. We live in a materialistic world that certainly over-consumes. I’ll be the first to admit I buy too much “stuff”, eat too much, leave the lights on too often, drive my gas-guzzling van more than might be necessary, etc. (Though, anyone who reads our annual Christmas letter will know we don’t use much water or gas to keep the lawn looking nice… at least that’s something. ;)
However, what I want to ask is this: At what point have we gone too far… when the environment comes before the most innocent of life? If we can spend so much time to scour the Bible to highlight passages in green, why do we gloss over those passages that speak of the murder of innocent blood and do nothing to stop it? God had some very strong statements directed towards societies who allow, or dare I say encourage, the sacrifice of infants. Think the Old Testament doesn’t apply today? Those societies sacrificed their children for a good harvest… more money… etc. Are we not sacrificing infants today in the name of convenience… for monetary reasons… etc.? Yes, I do believe there are truly situations where a mother’s health would require drastic measures. That does not make the rest OK.
Well, did anyone think I’d write on a blog this long without hitting a soap-box moment? I’ll try to stick with more fun stuff for a while. ;)
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February 9th, 2009 at 1:27 am
Finally remembered to add a link to another review. It has a great analysis based on its index.
http://stand-firm.blogspot.com/2008/10/green-bible-environmentalism-gone-awry.html
Search that page for “Green Subject Index” and read from there.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Amen – lets put things in perspective people.