Faithful warm to environmentalism

Genesis’ take on human dignity and its supports — as  well as for some, the Seventh Commandment’s prohibition against stealing — forms the basis of environmentalism’s moral mandate within the Jewish and Christian traditions.

“Man is [nature’s] vice regent on earth,” said Islamic Society of Baltimore’s Interfaith coordinator Attaulla Khan, citing the Koran in the matter. “God has created man and he has given him certain powers over nature. But man cannot wantonly destroy creation.”

However, as there is no central teaching authority in Islam, Khan allowed that Muslims can vary in their ecological responses. 

An obligation that lately is receiving more attention as man-made global warming theories take hold and political candidates court faith-based electoral constituencies, the principle of earthly stewardship is not easily translatable into public policy positions.

It thus is accorded different moral weighs in different faith traditions.

“There are some things we must never do, as  individuals or as a society, because they are always incompatible with love of God and neighbor,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, referring to  abortion, euthanasia and intentional racism, said at its November semiannual meeting in Baltimore. “These are called ‘intrinsically evil’  actions.”

But the conference also identified “caring for God’s creation” as one of seven key themes that should direct the Catholic conscience and ground members’ faithful citizenship.

“Catholics may choose different ways to respond to compelling social problems,” the bishop’s resolution states. “But we cannot differ on our moral obligation to help build a more just and peaceful world through morally acceptable means.” 

Episcopalianism, however, has identified global climate change as a specific moral evil and points to certain policy initiatives, such as carbon emission reduction and support for renewable energy alternatives, as responsible measures.

The church, however, does not rank them on any moral scale.

“The scientific evidence is overwhelming that humankind is creating this greenhouse condition,” said Paulette Hammond, Convener of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland’s environmental committee, “and that we as Christians and Episcopalians should do all that we can to mitigate that problem.”

“We’re partners with God in this creation, and He’s given us the responsibility … to make the Earth a safer and better place for humanity,” said Senior Rabbi Mark Loeb of Pikesville’s Beth El Congregation on the matter.

Loeb noted, however, that the obligation is not ranked.