The Climate Movement and Conservative Christian Groups

Keywords: Climate movement, environmentalism, Christians, United States
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 02:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 03:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 11

Abstract

Ancient belief systems, at least some of their most recent proponents, continue to have major consequences in our industrialized world. For example, in spite of considerable scientific consensus in its favor, the US climate movement faces keen opposition from some conservative Christian groups. These groups have argued against climate protection by claiming, among other things, that 1) Earth might be destroyed, and perhaps as a punishment for humanity’s sins, but Christians will be saved, 2) Earth is in God’s hands and God would not allow its destruction, or 3) prioritizing Earth’s survival distracts believers from the prime objective of saving souls. These arguments are expressed in many forms, and have contributed to a widespread skepticism toward the climate movement among millions of believers in the US.

However, since the 1990s a number of evangelical (conservative) Christians have joined the climate movement. The result is a more divided discourse on how Christians might relate to the movement. Indeed, some online activists are quoting even the late famous evangelist Billy Graham in rallying people to the cause of climate protection. This paper summarizes abd compares public statements from within the two broad stances: Christians who are opposed to climate protection, and those who support it. The goal is to understand and relate alternative frames for the issue. The paper concludes by seeking ways climate movement leaders might convince conservative Christians to accept the urgency of protecting the climate.