Global Warming Guidelines in the Book of Job
Today I invite you to read this post by my colleague, astronomer and RTB founder Hugh Ross.
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Based on chapter 4 from my book Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job.
Yesterday, in commemoration of Earth Day, Climate Central released an “interactive graphic that shows a state-by-state analysis of temperature trends.” According to their graphic, the rates in the US have continued to increase since the first Earth Day took place in 1970. This news will no doubt spark questions about global warming—questions I am often asked to address while at speaking engagements.
In this emotionally charged atmosphere, my approach is to take the discussion in an unexpected direction. I point out that the Bible’s oldest book offers the best prescription for maintaining global climatic stability. I further surprise people by stating that the recommendations offered in Job require no sacrifice of either ethics or economics. I like to remind everyone that Job is a book for all time, including our time. This ancient revelation speaks to the science-faith issues of today and tomorrow as well.
- Job 38: Focus on precipitation. In these passages we read that God exquisitely designed precipitation levels to provide an optimal environment for Earth’s life. The implication seems clear: we should address climate crises first by correcting whatever damage we have caused to Earth’s precipitation patterns. For example, shrinking the Sahara and Gobi deserts (by planting vegetation, for example) would be an economic boost for Africa, Europe, and Asia and would soak up a fair amount of greenhouse gases.
- Job 39: Look to the animals. This passage includes a list of bird and mammal species that may seem random at first glance and yet, on closer examination, clearly proves otherwise. Each of the creatures listed once played a unique and significant role in the launch of civilization. The ostrich, for one, can help us again. Ostrich farming as a replacement for beef would eliminate much of the gases produced by cows.
The book of Job highlights the theme that God has marvelously designed the universe, Earth, and all its life in such a way as to harmonize ethics and economics. When we humans face a crisis or dilemma that appears to force a choice between ethics and economics, we can be sure God has provided a way to respond that compromises neither. Through the book of Job, God calls humanity to resist the temptation of quick fixes, particularly those that demand either a breach of ethics or loss of economic stability. This exhortation applies at all levels—global, national, regional, municipal, and familial.
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Endnotes
- For more on the book of Job’s relevance to scientific questions of past and present, check out Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job, available in the RTB web store.