The State of the Planet

So, the Living Planet Report 2004 is out. And it's basically not good news. Once again, us humans are destroying our home left right and centre. It's getting worse every year In the past 30 years we've managed to extinguish 30% of our natural neighbours. We're over-using and under-restoring, in a Very Big Way.

A programme on TV last weekend mentioned that by 2020 (a mere 16 years from now!) fresh drinking water will be hard to find in South Africa, if we carry on the way we have been. Something we currently take for granted, and literally throw down the drain. Along with many other things that are slowly strangling our environment.

I'm in charge of our 5 minute devotional time for the staff on Monday, and guess what's going to be presented? Yup, our impact on the planet, and why we as Christians should care. With all I have to say it could be an hour-long lecture, but I'll be reworking it into a 5 minute chat over the weekend. I'm incorporating not only the report, but snippets from Brian McLaren (bits of his Sojourners article turned up re-worked in his new book under "Why I am Green") and from Danushka Goska, as well as elements from the creation story in Genesis (God-given management of the planet, not it's domination) and the Lord's Prayer (Thy kingdom come ON EARTH as it is in heaven).

And yes, you can expect the entire thing, posted here, on Monday.

As I grow and learn spiritually, social/environmental justice (yes, they're interconnected) is looming larger and larger in my mind as something we don't pay enough attention to as Christians, as just plain humans. I don't think it even crosses the thoughts of many who work and reside on this campus. That, for better or for worse, is about to change. At least for the staff who turn up for worship on Monday. They will no longer be able to plead ignorance of the facts.

I just pray I can present them in a way that will lift the blinders and open their hearts, will make a bit of a difference to how we treat our part of the world.

(By the way, ever notice that the graphically-represented Trinity triangle and the Recycle triangle look remarkably the same? Just a random thought...)