"Overcoming global warming is not a sprint. There is no quick fix. Rather, it is a marathon, something we will be doing for the rest of our lives. It is going to require stamina -- spiritual staying power." -- Jim Ball
As Christians, we are called to not just believe in Jesus, but to imitate him. My friend and colleague Jim Ball has been calling the church to do just that through his work at the Evangelical Environmental Network. For Christians to take on big issues takes perseverance and a kind of faithfulness that only comes from being fully rooted in the person of Jesus. His new book, Global Warming and the Risen Lord: Christian Discipleship and Climate Change, walks the reader through how to do both faithfully.
Ball argues that we not only have a responsibility to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us, but he also shows how concern for the poor means we have to be concerned about how changing climates will effect some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. Through understanding Christ as creator, sustainer, savior, and Lord, Ball gives compelling reason rooted in Jesus to not only care about the environment but also work for its protection.
"Overcoming global warming -- it's not ultimately a story about windmills and photovoltaic cells. It's a grace empowered story about ever increasing love, freedom, beauty, and glory; it is about reflecting the Risen LORD with unveiled faces." -- Jim Ball
While the needs are great and the consequence dire, throughout the book Jim Ball continues to come back to hope. Because Christians across the country are already acting. They are changing their lives and their communities. They are step by step building the political will to take decisive action towards protecting the environment and the poor. Jim Ball invites Christians to join into the work that is already happening.
"We don't have to be perfect to help the Risen LORD overcome global warming. Like the disciples, we just have to be willing to follow. In our climate karios moments we have to choose life and be willing to stumble forward with the Risen LORD and allow Him to pick us up when we fall
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