This semester we have talked a lot about the differences between different religions and their views of the environment and how they interact with nature. We almost always have compared these religions with our own and how they differ and are the same. It has been interesting to see that for the most part we share the same beliefs and ideas as the rest of the world. There obviously was one religion on the earth at one time at the beginning and different ideas have sprung up as the years have past by but they all share many similarities. If you were to put the ideas of different religions on paper without labeling them and try to compare them I think that you would have a hard time differentiating between them. I think that the reason for this is that truth is truth and the main religions in the world today all have large portions of truth with them and that is why people over generations of time have stayed with these religions and practice them today. We all believe that people have an innate ability to recognize truth and have a desire to follow truth. Many small churches will try to rise and become relevant but unless they teach truth and practice it they will not last like the major religions of the world today. We can become an example of truth to those around us as we practice truth and live it.
Another interesting theme that we didn’t talk about in class much but was talked about much more in this blog is the need for balance. We all recognize that the earth is being abused at a rate never seen before in its history and things aren’t getting any better. We all want to help and do better than we are currently doing but I think we all realize that chaining ourselves to trees or breaking into animal labs or becoming a vegetarian isn’t a reality for us. (except for our teacher) I wonder what our level of commitment is to the environment and because we don’t value nature we use the crutch of “balance”. Now before anybody gets offended I am probably more guilty than anybody when it comes to this. I am probably the most selfish in this group when it comes to the environment as I like to live in a society that always tries to better my situation without thought of the consequences that I might have on the environment. I would be yelling louder than anyone that we can’t protect everything in the world so we should focus more on other things and balance our lives. I’m just saying that maybe, although most of us think it is crazy to chain ourselves to trees and free animals in labs, we just aren’t committed enough to take action. I’m not proposing anything radical but maybe we can individually decide on things that we are going to do better. Not ideas but actions that we can take individually or show to others that will make a difference. As I write this I am probably the last one who is going to actually take some action and change my lifestyle because I like how my life is but I recognize that I can do better. And although I can promise our teacher that I will never go vegetarian because I love love love meat there are other things that I can do that will make a difference.
Moderate not radical action is what is going to move the environmentalist cause. A whole generation doing a little better, will make it the norm for the next, and that generation will do better than the one before it. The environment can't wait forever, but it can't afford to be completely ignored because of people's negative reactions to radicalist movements. Radical environmentalists are their own worst enemies.
ReplyDeleteIts true, little things can make a difference and when we all do little things, it becomes a big thing. Actions are what make changes, not ideas.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate that this posting recognizes the truth found in other religions. My eyes were really opened by researching another faith and by listening to everyone's reports on Monday about different environmental views. Great posting!
ReplyDeleteTruth is truth because it works 100% all the time. I do think that we all need to be better stewards. I don't think that it is people's intention to ravage the planet as a whole (don't get me wrong, some people know what they are doing and keep on doing it to make a profit). I think the problem is a lack of connection to reality and being unaware of what is really going on. Perhaps we can help in our families and communities to remedy these points which generally lead to action in other's lives.
ReplyDeleteThere is such a peaceful comfort that comes from realizing that others are witnessing the same beautiful workmanship of our Father in heaven. It is so much easier to find our way to the rod that leads to eternal life if we do it hand in hand, but first we must hear the sound of each others voice amidst the darkness and the static. So please continue to cry out...
ReplyDeleteI have been blogging balance from the first day. I think that if someone has balance in their life they are able to be productive. Balance in nature works the same way. If human play with the balance in nature the earth is not as productive. We need to help return the balance to nature so our kids will have the same opportunities to enjoy nature like we do.
ReplyDeletePerhaps we can each learn from the Boy Scouts of America, and leave the "campground" better than we found it. It's not a big deal, but when everybody is doing bit by bit, it can make a huge difference. A good example was when we were out on the river fishing, and my cousin spotted some pieces of trash. He picked them up and put them in his net until he found a trash can. Small and simple means brings about great change.
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