From Mirada Global, an interview with theologian Peter Knauer, S.J.:
Peter, what do we learn about God when we are faced with current ecological challenges?
Ecological challenges are, as ethics is in general, an object of reason and not of faith. Faith neither makes them more urgent than they already are nor gives them a more obligatory character than they already have. But faith liberates us from the power of that anxiety for ourselves which is connected with our human condition: vulnerable and mortal. In faith we experience the freedom that definitely permits us to follow our conscience.
The entire universe, including its being created, is an object of reason. Only God’s self-communication is an object of faith. It is not possible to make use of God as an argument for ecological claims.
Read the full interview here. Also available in Spanish.
Tim Reidy
The idea that climate change is more grounded than our faith in Jesus Christ is what is implied by the title of this blogging.
I believe that Obama will be re-elected but know that the weather is warmer in Florida than in New York.
Is this the thrust of the argument?I read that faith is an act of knowledge and that is correct doctrine according to the bossman.
I think reason as applied to science is overrated. It isn't just reason, it's insight, eureka moments and just plain surprise.
If one were to argue that the link between human activity and deleterious climate change has been proved, and that we as Christians are, accordingly, called on to act to help prevent such changes for the benefit of humanity, that's something else. But it's not the subject being discussed here. Or have I (quite possibly) missed the point?
your comment sounds all very reasonable except for the fact that there is nothing to debate. The vast majority of climate scientists are in agreement on the causes and dimensions of climate change. The very small handful of scientists who disagree are given a respectful hearing in the peer-reviewed literature, but they are not able to convince anyone by their critiques. Only on Fox News is there a "debate" about climate change and the role of human civilization in causing it.