You shall not pollute the land in which you live; for blood pollutes the land, and no expiation can be made for the land,
for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of the one who shed it.
You shall not defile the land in which you live, in which I also dwell...
Numbers 35:33-34 (NRSV)
President Trump has earned a reputation as a blithering twitterer, which is not a good look for the most powerful person on Earth...or wait, does that title belong to Nancy Pelosi?
There were two tweets recently in which Trump essentially contradicts himself. In one he makes the tired argument that because there is cold day or cold snap global warming or Global Waming as he terms it, doesn't exist.
In the beautiful Midwest, windchill temperatures are reaching minus 60 degrees, the coldest ever recorded. In coming days, expected to get even colder. People can’t last outside even for minutes. What the hell is going on with Global Waming? Please come back fast, we need you
Trump does this often, even as saner and more informed folk point out that what happens in a day, or a series of days doesn't mean that climate change isn't real. I come back to the helpful metaphor offered by climate scientist (and Christian) Kathryn Hahoe offers that weather is like mood while climate is personality.
In the other the president tweeted about biblical literacy of all things, a subject he has regularly demonstrated is anything but his strong suit.
Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great!
As Trump's approval rating continues to slide we shouldn't be surprised that he's attempting to ingratiate himself with those who figure we ought to be reading the bible more.
The thing is, literacy suggests developing an understanding of biblical texts, not just throwing out "back to the bible" slogans. The bible says nothing about climate change but there are plenty of texts acknowledging God as Creator and enjoining humans to humbly act as stewards and co-inhabitants of the marvelous web of Creation.
Mr. Trump would do well to pay attention to polls which suggest Americans, including evangelical Christians are finally paying attention to climate change. A total of 72% of polled Americans now say global warming is personally important to them, according to the Yale program on climate change communication. This is the highest level of concern since Yale starting polling the question in 2008.
Let's pray that this is a turning point for the planet, before we get "wamed."
O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
Psalm 104:24
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