Written by Bill Muehlenberg

How should Christian think about the modern state of Israel? Numerous book-length treatments of this topic have appeared, so it may be foolhardy of me to try to adequately cover this topic in a short article. But I can at least make some introductory remarks here….

To read the full Article, click here.

Sustainability has become an essential word in official documents, a word that opens doors to reasonable arguments in public debates. Everything needs to be sustainable: economy, energy, agriculture, growth, development, population, society etc.

What does the word “sustainable” mean? How is it interpreted by various groups in society?

Sustainability generally looks to the future from a human perspective and seeks to find balance or compromise among competing needs. The United Nations 2005 World Summit refers to the “interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars” of economic development, social development, and environmental protection.”

A balancing act is always difficult to achieve and particular groups with particular interests will promote their own priorities in making decisions.
Governments have  therefore an important role to play in regulating competing needs in the best interest of the nation and its future.

From a Christian perspective, one ‘overarching pillar of sustainability’ is obviously missing from this equation: the Creator’s wisdom and His recommendations for taking care of His creation. Christians talk about responsible stewardship of our society when engaging in debates about the environment.

An article by  Andrew Cameron (Sydney Anglican) looks at the Christian perspective in environmental issues. Cameron authored a booklet (image above) which contains a strong scriptural argument followed by practical applications for Australian society. Pamphlets are available by emailing Moore Books.

In a positive way, sustainability makes people aware of many  interdependent factors affecting our lifestyle and reminds us of our responsibility in taking good care of what we have received. It warns against greedy interests, it encourages research, knowledge and the development of new technologies.

The great appeal of the Greens Party to many voters, young and old, is their emphasis on protecting the natural environment. While the Greens use the word ’sustainability’ quite often, their views  really amount to an obsession with the worship of Nature, the ‘evil’ of human interference and in particular the Judeo-Christian perspective of morality. Christians voting Greens at election are usually unaware of the Greens social policies (on abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, prostitution, drugs …). These social policies are not only morally corrupt but are incapable of delivering a sustainable society for our children and our grand-children.

Sustainability cannot be discussed in a moral vacuum; it needs an honest and reasoned approach to seeking balance between competing needs and interests. Christians should definitely welcome discussions on sustainability and show positive leadership in dealing with this issue.