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Theology and Climate Change For the last few years, I have tried to do something positive during Lent, rather than to give up something like chocolate. This year I attended the Lent Study Group run by Nick Read at the Rectory. Although, as a science teacher, the science of climate change was familiar, the approach of studying the science, politics and theology, pushed each of us to consider the problems from different points of view. And it was approaching the same problem from different angles that made the group stimulating, interesting, challenging both personally and collectively as a church and as a parish. Each of us was faced with a dilemma. The fact that our human activities are changing our planet’s climate is indisputable. But the challenge that, because as a nation we are becoming more Godless, we are becoming more selfish, turning away from the needs of others, this is leading to us damaging the planet, I had not considered. Is climate change like an Old Testament punishment and what should our response be? As individuals, we responded with small pledges to examine the way we live, and some of these such as cutting down on food miles so choosing local produce, buying more in the village, supporting local businesses, have immediate benefits for our community. Some such as buying Fair Trade goods, making sure cars and electrical appliances we buy are as energy efficient as possible, have larger, more global benefits. And so we see that relationship in practice – care about the planet and we find ourselves caring for others, care for others and we see that we can reduce our global impact. That is the
relationship that God longs for with us. Watch this space for the members of the group putting into practise some of our responses, hopefully working together with people in our village to bring about change that benefits all of creation. Wendy Maddocks
SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY CHALET WITH VALLEY AND SEA VIEWS
Telephone: 01568 780 912 www.wiz.to/seventeen