Media, magazines, and ministers collectively rode the Millennium Bug hard.
One need only think back a few years to Al Gore’s dire warnings of global catastrophe as a result of the Millennium Bug. One thing is certain, however: sensationalism, sophistry, and sloppy journalism have done little to advance the ball. While common sense might lead us to conclude that a warming trend is far less dangerous than a new ice age, the reality is there hasn’t been sufficient study to be sure. Moreover, more deaths result from cold winters than hot summers. Richards notes that a thousand years ago during a medieval warming period, European agriculture experienced an increase in productivity. Third, we should ask: “Is global warming necessarily bad?” In response, Dr. A quick Google search is sufficient to demonstrate that global warming is far from settled science. Gray, a PhD in the geophysical sciences and a pioneer in the science of forecasting hurricanes, “The human impact on the atmosphere is simply too small to have a major effect on global temperatures.” And Gray is not alone. The second question is this: “If the globe is warming, are humans a significant factor?” According to Dr. Indeed, four years later Time pontificated that the “tell-tale signs” of an ice age were evident “everywhere.” It is instructive to note that the first Earth Day (April 22, 1970) was observed amid the specter of a looming ice age. We must, however, exercise extreme caution in the extrapolation of trends. If we appropriate accurate averages over a hundred and fifty years and carefully consider current satellite data, it appears likely that we are experiencing a slight warming trend. Our initial question should be “Is global warming a reality?” The answer is a qualified yes. Jay Richards, who holds a PhD in philosophy and theology, points out, we should learn to ask the right questions and to ask them in the right order. Dare we say sinful?” As global warming rhetoric continues to boil over, what is a Christian to do?įirst, as Dr. Clergy should consider voicing the difficult truth that having more than two children during such a time is selfish. Says Thomas, “We must stop having so many children. And prominent Baptist pastor Oliver “Buzz” Thomas has gone so far as to castigate spiritual leaders for failing to urge followers to have smaller families in light of this global catastrophe. Ellen Goodman of the Boston Globe puts global warming deniers on par with holocaust deniers. In his view, global warming is the single greatest threat facing our planet. It’s here.” CNN founder Ted Turner is similarly pessimistic: “We will be eight degrees hotter in 30 to 40 years and basically none of the crops will grow.” As a result, says Turner, “most of the people will have died and the rest of us will be cannibals.” Former vice president Al Gore is equally emphatic. Global warming is hot…hot…hot! This morning I opened USA Today and encountered a full-page ad that begins as follows: “Rising temperatures. It is my prayer that when you have finished reading it, you will be able to cut through the fog and clearly understand the essence of a highly controversial and politicized issue. Toward that end, I present this article on global warming not just to give you my perspective, but to provide you with a basis for thinking rightly for yourself about such issues. One of the critical issues of concern at the Christian Research Institute is discernment. Updated documentation appears in the endnotes.
I originally wrote this article for a booklet (see below also) in 2008 and, after recently revisiting it, realized that although ten years have elapsed and our scientific understanding of climate has advanced, every word remains pertinent. How Should Christians Think about Global Warming? Article ID: 201811TAGW | By: Hank Hanegraaff and Jay Richards
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