Global Warming Testimony

Ethics Daily ran my latest article, which is entitled "Southern Seminary Dean Testifies before Senate about Global Warming." It reports on the testimony of Russell Moore, dean of the school of theology for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the executive director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement, before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The hearing was entitled "An Examination of the Views of Religious Organizations Regarding Global Warming" and included the testimony of several religious leaders. Although I mention some of the comments of others, I focused my article on those of Moore.

Three aspects of Moore's testimony stood out as worth noting. First, he complained that some were over-politicizing the gospel with the issue of global warming. I worry about the over-politicization of the gospel, but find it ironic that Moore complains about this considering the fact that he has been part of the conservative Christian efforts to over-politicize the gospel. Thus, his comments seem less like a prophetic call and more like partisan complaining. Second, he provides a theology that suggests we just give up because only God can redeem the earth. However, just because people will not be able to make everything perfect does not mean we should not try and make things better. Finally, Moore (and others at the hearing arguing against taking action on global warming) cited scientists who work for companies that have received money from ExxonMobil, which should make one question their claims.