Serve God, Save the planet

"The gradual depletion of the ozone layer and the related 'greenhouse effect' has now reached crisis proportions as a consequence of industrial growth, massive urban concentrations and vastly increased energy needs. Industrial waste, the burning of fossil fuels, unrestricted deforestation, the use of certain types of herbicides, coolants and propellants,: all of these are known to harm the atmosphere and environment."

What does that mean to you? What do you think about the person that said it?

When the idea of global warming comes up, usually religion is completely left out of the argument on why we need to change our lives. On the cable media networks, often they will have one person, usually a left wing Atheist, arguing for change in the name of Science, with the other being a right wing conservative, that will spin the science conversation into a conversation about creationism just try to argue that the other is wrong about science completely.

One person Christians can look to for guidance on the subject is the Pope. Catholic or not, one cannot deny his Spirituality and knowledge of the Scriptures.

So what about that quote? It was said by Pope Jon Paul II in a message for the Celebration of World Peace Day, Jan. 1, 1990. 18 years ago, long before "an Inconvenient Truth" hit mainstream, the Pope was already talking about global warming.

Pope Jon Paul II continued his message about the destruction of the environment throughout his Papacy.

"It is therefore the inescapable responsibility of those who work with the name of Christians to give a credible witness in this area," Paul II said addressed to farmers and representatives of agricultural institutions from the five continents, as they gathered with the Holy Father as part of the Jubilee of the Agricultural World. "Unfortunately, in the countries of the so-called ‘developed’ world an irrational consumerism is spreading, a sort of ‘culture of waste’, which is becoming a widespread lifestyle."

J. Matthew Sleeth, MD, is someone who took this message and applied it directly to his life. In his book Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action, he shares his journey from a consumerism lifestyle to a lifestyle of simplicity.

"'Tree huggers worship nature. I don't want to be involved with them'" Sleeth writes as a common misconception, "The problem today is not one of nature worship; instead, it is the worship of all things made by human beings."

Throughout his book, Sleeth talks about how Christians can be more godly and live a meaningful life by helping people, being less materialistic, and more charitable.

"On no subject is Jesus more clear on materialism: a life focused on possessions is a poor and misguided life," Sleeth continues," Simplifying means having less, wanting less, being satisfied with what you have or less than what you have. It does not mean boredom."

Throughout his testament, Sleeth shares his transformation as a chief of the medical staff at a large hospital to adopting a healthier, less materialistic lifestyle, which led to stronger relationships and a richer spiritual life. By using his knowledge and expertise as a former emergency room director, he shows how the destruction of the environment in causing illnesses, such as cancer and others, to peoples all over the world.

Through expert testimony, life experience, and Scripture, Sleeth shows how one can change their life and the world by living a simple practical life. If you are interested in the environment, or are a Christian, then you should read this book.

“When we kill off a species we go against God’s dual blessings,” Sleeth explains, “We cancel the life God gave to the species, and we forever lose the benefits of that species to humanity.”

For more information please refer to the author’s website, his book, or the Jon Paul II Institute for Theology and Enviromental Studies.