As a Christian and member of an interfaith environmental group, I am offended by Sen. Rick Santorum’s claim in Monday’s paper that Christian environmentalists have a “phony theology.”
A closer look at the full transcript of Santorum’s remark reveals that he recognizes the biblical call for human beings to be “good stewards of the earth” and to “husband its resources.”
He does not think, however, that we should “serve the earth.”
I couldn’t agree more: The time for tossing human sacrifices into volcanoes to mollify the earth has long passed and never was a part of Christian theology. Christian environmentalists do not worship the earth, we care for creation.
As a Christian, I support clean air rules that close outdated, dirty coal-fired power plants. Less mercury in the air is better for our children and for our environment. New power plants are more efficient and less polluting.
I’m not sure how Santorum can build a theology of stewardship on the basis of environmental degradation, but I’m happy to listen. People of good will can differ on how best to be good stewards of the earth. But let’s not go excommunicating one another just because we disagree.
Jonathan E. Brockopp State College
