Earth Day Ecovangelism

In religious circles, there is "do it or else!" evangelism, and then there is "this is so cool!" evangelism. The former peddles gloom and doom, the latter shares inspiration and wonder. There is judgment. Alternatively, there is good news.

As Earth evangelists, it is easy to slip into the world of negativity. Reduce our carbon footprint before it is game over. Stop using plastic - have you seen the giant garbage patch in the Pacific! Do you really need that new car? Turn off your smartphone and pay attention to what is happening! Don't you care?

Our ecological challenges are significant and threatening, and change must happen if we hope for life to flourish long into the future here on Earth. But translating our concern into judgment and fear and deprivation is not a viable way forward. Human history makes clear that such ideologies destroy themselves, as is the way of the universe.

Alternatively, I have faith in the creative unfolding that has brought us here to this moment. And I have hope that its Light - especially when shared - holds an immense power to move us in evolutionary, affirming ways. We experience wonder, ingenuity,  whimsy, beauty, authenticity, joy,  sustenance - so amazed by the Creation Gospel, how can we keep from singing?

In 1968, at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Senegalese environmentalist Baba Dioum put forth a wise observation:  we conserve what we love; we love what we understand; we understand what we experience.

Rather than prophesy ecological collapse, we must focus our energies on sharing the Good News that we have experienced living in vibrant relationship with the Whole Earth.

Personally, wandering the wilderness has been a source of immense peace and strength. I have received this gift through the people and resources my life has afforded. One of my joys now is to share the wilderness experience with others who have not yet had such a privilege - to share the love. I am constantly amazed, not only by the universal charisma of nature, but by the ways in which I am blessed to see the world anew through these outings. The Spirit soars in marvelous and unexpected ways!

From Earth Day forward, let the Light shine!