Bow Down to Mother Earth

The environmentalists proclaim Mother Earth is a living being. Ok, not really. By definition Earth is a planet, it does not own an identity or form relationships. It is not a being, it is a thing. A wonderful thing, but still not on the plane of humanity. Firstly, Mother Earth stems from a belief rooted in Pantheism and a glofication of earth. Secondly, the description of Mother attached to earth connotates familiarity and humanity to earth when obviously, the earth is not human. The basic tenets of environmentalism- conservation, ecological responsiblity, and the gift of nature remain consistently true. However, environmentalists reordering of the natural hierarchy of man and earth is a violation of God's plan. Instead, a theocentric approach to nature produces rejoicing in the person of God and the gift of nature.

Environmentalism seeks to promote the rights of nature above the rights of man. This stems from witnessing man's destructive behavior and carelessness. However, instead of uplifting earth to godhood- Christianity imparts a practical and realistic approach to nature. In particular, Christianity is at odds with the tenets of radical environmentalism and argues directly against its beliefs. To begin, Christianity believes that population growth is biblically ordained and that man is created in the image of God and inherently possesses value. Therefore, nature is not innately better or equal to humanity. Even more so, we treat nature as a resource and animals and food. This does not mean the acceptability of crue treatment and misuse of these resources. Merely, a benefit of God's favor. As the natural guardians of earth, man must watch over and care for nature and thus comprehend the value and goodness of nature. Christians present a conservative approach to dealing with and respecting the environment. Thus, Christianity is opposed to radical environmentalism, but maintains an understanding of the importance of nature.

To clarify the Christian perspective, God commanded that we be stewards of his creation and as such, we must fulfill certain roles. As stewards of earth, we must respect nature and attempt to restore its beauty, wholeness, and productivity. Nautre should be respected and viewed as integral to the a well balanced lifestyle and the duties of a steward of God. We must appreciate the efficiency and orderly fashion of nature and continue to protect our resources. In order to do so, people must manage nature by growing and harvesting crops and managing the resources given by practical and conservative uses. Christians understand that nature has been corrupted by the innate sinfulness of man, and therefore man must restore the glory and beauty of nature. We must preserve the gift of nature and be intentional about our treatment of nature. But, the Earth is resislent. It survives the contamination and the abuse; God's healing hand continues to effect nature as well. Apocalyptic statements hold little meaning and serve as representative of the radical environmentalist movement. However, the purpose of the steward is to protect and enjoy nature. We should fulfill that purpose.

Michael Moore's Meaning

Capitalism is cruel. This thought continues to pervade the mind of society as capitalism becomes viewed as a brutal and unfair system of economics. Michael Moore, during an interview, discusses the contrasting doctrine of socialism to be the saving grace of the American people. He emphasizes the kindness and compassion associated with Socialism and depicts it as evolved form of economics. But, his argument contains contradictions and sweeping generalizations without discussing the actual consequences of socialism. Many of his statements exaggerate and avoid the true meaning of the speaker and uplifts the "common good" 

without taking into account the sinful nature of mankind. 

Mr. Moore states socialism is democracy. Not only is that a fundamental misrepresentation of democracy, but a grossly misconstrued definition of socialism. Socialism, by definition, places the ownership of the means of production into the hands of the government. Thereby infringing on the basic freedoms of America and dissolving the purpose of the Bill of Rights. The government was not intended to be a business or a provider of goods, but to insure that are civil liberties were being protected. This does not extend to healthcare and the distribution of money. Socialism is not democracy, in fact, socialism is a step in a achieving communism- the absolute of "moral and ethical care."Even more so, socialism promotes a reliance upon the government for employment, healthcare, and direction. It places boundaries around the lives of citizens and promotes a defiance against working hard and initiative. Upon exploration into the consequences of Socialism, Mr. Moore would find the system to innately promote corruption and laziness. The government would become wealthy and citizens unhappy. Ignorance is attached to the idea of socialism, whereas democracy understands the human condition and attempts to enhance it. For instance, Mr. Moore states that within socialism "We the people have the say" which suggests a naive view of socialism and the idea that a person's say automatically insures prosperity and happiness. Socialism crushes the economy and diminishes the basic facets of America's prosperity. It is a solution masked behind a facade of compassion, but merely serves to grant the state an exorbitant amount of power. Socialism is not democracy, 

nor will it ever engender the same freedoms. 

The second major flaw within Michael Moore's argument was his equalization of religion and their innate glorification of socialism. Firstly, Moore states "All great religions say that the wealthy shouldn't get nine slices of the pie while the rest fight over one peace." In response, Christianity does not support socialism and the idea suggested by Moore and furthermore nor does Islam. These two dominant worldviews promote the initiative of the worker and the importance of the principle "If you don't work, you don't eat."Rewards have importance based upon the merit of their work. Socialism is at odds with the basic principles of Christianity and Islam as it demands provisions without any action. Indeed, it defies the biblical exhort of a cheerful worker and diligence. The redistribution of wealth is a violation of the commandment "do not steal."Moreover, Deuteronomy 8:18 states "But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." Biblical Christianity understands the gift of money and property and the ability to work to be ordained by God. Even more so, socialism casts wealth as evil and a product of nepotism or unfairness- it fails to recognize the goodness attached to hard work and the subsequent satisfaction. Michael Moore declares he "doesn't care what we call it", he merely wants an advancement of society. However, his argument fails to recognize the contrasting opinion of different religions and the importance of the values within capitalism. Religions are not all the same and nor is socialism automatically assumed to be superior.