FIFTY years ago, on 7 July 1967, Time magazine ran a cover story entitled, ‘The Hippies: Philosophy of a Subculture’. Modern environmentalism is in some ways a product of this Flower Power movement, but a still-born version.
It has become replete with particular moral codes – right ways of doing things – ostensibly underpinned by a scientific consensus. Yet most leading environmentalists live energy-intensive lifestyles. They profess to a relationship with nature, yet they have limited first-hand experience of it. They claim their authority from science – yet they are intolerant of scepticism.
More than ever we need a new approach. One that is free of the patriarchy so deeply embedded in the Christian tradition. But one that is also free of the hypocrisy and intolerance that underpins an emerging new value system that places a premium on being extraverted, optimistic, popular – and passionate.
In reality the Earth is a harsh, though beautiful place. A more meaningful and resilient existence might be found with less hubris and more nature.
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD is a critical thinker with expertise in the scientific method.
Christian theology/philosophy is based on all people having “feet of clay”. We need guidance throughout our lives to keep us on the right path because we are weak. But if we TRY, we will be received in good stead in heaven ‘ even if our “try” is on our deathbed. These days, ee call that virtue signaling.
There it is: why Gore, DiCaprio, McKibben et al get away with their hypocrisy – virtue signaling is the key to the Pearly Gates symbolically as well as literally. What you do is much less important than what you profess should be done by the virtuous – which, you humbly admit you are not quite one of.
If religion were grounded in reality or was results-oriented, the Birkenstocked, Volvo-driving eco’preacher in a $5,000 suit would be booed off the stage.
I think you have misunderstood the central Christian message. It is not that humans have feet of clay so they must be taught, forced, or coerced onto the right path but they need forgiveness and love when they fall. The massage is better condensed into “God is Love, He loves you, the time you spend with Him and seeking communion with Him is a blessing and will lead you into truth”. In my experience there is nothing in the Christian message that would support the perversion of or misuse of science to mislead folks for some “higher purpose”. If the aim of science is to know the truth, and I think at its best it is, then it is completely acceptable to the Christianity I have known for over 60 years. There are ways for the scientist who has no concept of human sanctity to pursue truth and violate Christian principals but there is no way for the scientist, Christian or otherwise, to purposely mislead or manipulate folks with misinformation to “save the planet” that qualifies as Christ’s work. I try to look at the message and not the the motives of the likes of Gore or McKibben but have to conclude that they are at best lacking understanding and at worst self serving deceivers so I have to be very skeptical of what they say.
In Search of a New Way
Modern environmentalism
” One that is free of the patriarchy so deeply embedded in the Christian tradition.”
Unfortunately being a man I guess I will never get it/South Park themes.
However the qualities you describe
vis “They profess to a relationship with nature, yet they have limited first-hand experience of it. They claim their authority from science – yet they are intolerant of skepticism”.
have nothing to do with the patriarchal problem as far as I can see.
Both could obviously do with improvement.
Lots to ponder, Jennifer. Thanks as always for deepening the topic.
Humans have a deep-seated need for religion. They need certainties. Living with probabilities and uncertainties is stressful for most normal people. In view of this, it is hardly surprising that warmism is proving so popular.
The presentation by Al Gore in Melbourne is a prime example of this. It is directly comparable to the massive “Crusades”organised by Billy Graham in an earlier era – but on a much smaller scale.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billy_Graham%27s_crusades