Christian Environmentalism

Today I finished reading a book, Kindness to Animals and Caring for the Earth, compiled by Richard D. Stratton (who, ironically enough, lives in Missoula, MT--the city I just moved from). In this book, Mr. Stratton has taken selections from the sermons and writings of leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Lately, we see quite a bit of news regarding environmentalism and extremism. We see far-left liberals who advocate forced price hikes and limiting resources for the masses (but not themselves) so that a few species have it better. We see the far-right with it's 'I can do whatever I want, full speed ahead' attitude who want to cut down every forest and dig up every hill in the pursuit to control and create wealth.

The truth of the matter is that most people are somewhere in between. This book helps explain our treatment of animals and the environment from a religious perspective. And from the many quotes of Church leaders, the answer is obvious. If we are to call ourselves true Christians, we must treat all life with respect and care; beautifying wherever possible, mistreating nothing. Allow me to quote a few select passages:

Ezra Taft Benson, former Secretary of Agriculture and President of the LDS Church stated in Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson: "It is not likely that someone who does not love his neighbor will be concerned with his adverse impact on the environment...If there is disregard for oneself, there will be disregard for one's neighbor. If there is no reverence for life itself, there is apt to be little reverence for the resources God has given man. The outward expressions of irreverence for life and for fellowmen often take the form of heedless pollution of both air and water. But are these not expressions of the inner man? You are among those who must undertake the task of alerting mankind to problems with regard to his physical environment...If we are merely transients in an unexplainable world, we will act more like tourists than residents! Men born into this planet are stewards." (p643-44)

The late apostle Neal A. Maxwell stated "...This restored work not only involves the things of eternity but is also drenched in daily significance. True disciples, for instance, would be consistent environmentalists--caring both about maintaining the spiritual health of a marriage and preserving a rain forest; caring about preserving the nurturing capacity of a family as well as providing a healthy supply of air and water; caring for both the prevention and the treatment of the miseries caused by the diseases of transgression. Adam and Eve were to 'dress the garden,' not exploit it. Like them, we are to keep the commandments, so that we can enjoy all the resources God has given us, resources described as 'enough and to spare' (D&C 104:17), if we use and husband them wisely." (A Wonderful Flood of Light, p103).

I like how Elder Maxwell terms it, 'consistent environmentalists', not just concerned about the spiritual environment, but the physical as well. Both ancient and modern scripture discuss our responsibility and Mr. Stratton has included quotes regarding the creation, stewardship, the purpose of nature, previous humane programs of the LDS church, kindness to animals (how do you treat your dog?), unnecessary taking of animal life (lots of quotes on sport hunting or wasteful use of the animal), accountability and judgment (we are responsible for all life we take or mistreat--including people, animals, or the earth), the millenium, the resurrection, and the salvation of animals and the earth.

This book gave me quite a bit to think about and I recommend it for anyone who truly wants to know what ancient and modern prophets and apostles had to say on the subject. For more information, or to get your own copy for $17.00, go to www.kindnesstoanimals.org or check out ebay.