Last October, the National Association of Evangelicals released a document entitled “For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility,” which set the stage for evangelicals to begin doing “broad-based advocacy for the environment.” One of the issues the group, which represents over 50 church denominations, has set its sights on is global warming, calling it “an urgent threat, a cause of poverty and a Christian issue because the Bible mandates stewardship of God’s creation.”
In light of this, it seems only fitting to do a (fictional) interview on the topic with the Reverend Jerry Falwell, one of the most visible evangelical leaders and a close friend of the conservatives.
Q: Reverend Falwell, what is your opinion on the issue of global warming?A: “I drive a GMC Suburban. And I have since the early ’70s. My wife drives one… I believe that global warming is a myth. And so, therefore, I have no conscience problems at all and I’m going to buy a Suburban next time.” [CNN, 11/20/02]
Q: But if global warming is a myth, as you say, what is the reasoning behind scientific experts who have stated that this phenomenon is a fact?A: “The whole thing is created to destroy America’s free enterprise system and our economic stability.” [CNN, 11/20/02]
Q: And you really believe that the polluting practices of humans are having no effect on Planet Earth?A: “It is God’s planet…and he’s taking care of it. And I don’t believe that anything we do will raise or lower the temperature one point.” [MSNBC, 12/3/02]
Q: Well, I am sure you are aware that some of your fellow evangelicals have committed themselves to combating global warming. What do you have to say to them?A: “[T]hese guys who call themselves evangelicals ought to be out evangelizing, rather than trying to cool the planet.” [MSNBC, 12/3/02]