selves as interconnected parts of the whole that God created.
This way of thinking marks a con- trast to the traditional reasoning about the relationship between God and the world. Traditional theological models have suggested a disconnect between God and the world. God is com- pletely other-than the created order. God created the world and continues to exert power over it, even if that power is benevolent and sustaining. Likewise, we humans were set up as caretakers over the world and still exercise power over it as an object. When God’s relationship with the world is an emptying, self-giving love, it leads to a different way of thinking, not only about what God has done but about the way God has called us to live. The abundant life isn’t getting more and more stuff or creating a life for ourselves, but an intentional giving up of what’s possi- ble for the sake of the common good. It’s a countercultural way of think- ing. McFague suggests that’s exactly the church’s role. Christians in the world are called to embrace a coun- tercultural worldview that embraces emptying ourselves so others can flourish. That means living more simply and more intentionally for the sake of others. Joan Chittester, who writes about spiritual practices, reminds us: “Everything that is possible is not necessary.” Nor is it even beneficial. Here we find touchpoints with Martin Luther’s reminder of the two dimen- sions of Christ’s love. One part is the love Christ has for us, and the other is the love we owe our neighbor. Christ in us is the active agent, not just of our love for fellow human beings but for the entire good creation in which God has placed us.
Deciding to adopt practices that allow for the flourishing of others is especially important for Christians in the developed West. In the short-term
people in the West can buy and consume their way out of the effects of cli- mate change. But the poor in the devel- oping world don’t have the same option, and they dis- proportionately bear the effects of climate change. For instance,
in Bangladesh a rise of only 17 inches in sea level would put 6,000 square miles of land permanently underwater, land that is presently occupied by the poorest people in one of the poorest countries in the world. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods,
Paying attention T
Challenge members consistently to do the little things like recycling, composting and eliminating the use of throwaway dishes and utensils.
drought, deforestation are all interrelated. They stem from the increasingly rapid onset of climate change and they hit developing nations and the poorest people the hardest. Congregations and lead- ers can begin to alter the way people think by simply paying attention to climate change as part of the ongoing conversa- tion of parish life (see “Pay- ing attention,” below). What we pay attention to makes a tremendous dif- ference in the formation of thinking and, eventu- ally, behavior. Helping people pay attention
hese practical tips may help us change our way of thinking: • Add the care of creation to the trinity of stewardship emphases. Instead
of time, talent and treasure, we consistently and regularly talk about manag- ing well our time, our abilities, our money and our home. • Refer often to the stewardship of creation in preaching. Preachers call worlds into being with their proclamation of the word. • Make sure that prayers for the care of the world are included every Sunday, and pray that our thinking and behavior change. • Hold an educational event for the congregation. Invite people from the community with expertise or who are affected by climate change. Via Skype or conference call, involve individuals from global companion synods who are impacted by climate change. • Ensure that ample educational opportunities about the various aspects of climate change and the stewardship of creation are included in the annual planning for congregational education and faith formation. • Decide on something specific and challenge the congregation. For instance, one congregation challenged members to bike to church one Sunday a month during the spring, summer and fall. • Make a display of the local rhythms of nature and change it often to get people into the habit of paying attention.
James K. Honig July 2013 23
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