So, in case you missed it, there’s been quite a kerfuffle about the veracity of climate change claims.  In the midst of this, Al Gore wrote an op-ed for the NY Times last weekend.  Overall it is unremarkable, in my humble opinion.  However, he does make the following statement:

From the standpoint of governance, what is at stake is our ability to use the rule of law as an instrument of human redemption. (Emphasis mine)

Maybe its just me, but that sound quasi-religious.  Suddenly environmentalism and saving the planet are about human redemption.  This would explain the fervency with which the environmental movement pursues its objectives.  Whether its chasing down whaling vessels, attacked SUV dealerships or lobbying for ‘human redemption,’ they pursue their goals with zeal.

This raises a significant question.  It seems part of modern orthodoxy is the need to be good stewards of creation.  Articles and books are written about what the Church can and should learn from the environmental movement, and how we can show Christ’s love by being more green.  Yet, if many environmentalists are ensnared by this quasi-religious nature of the movement, I wonder if we really want to act more like them.  Unintentionally we might be lending Christ’s name to their false religion.  Perhaps, at least for those who subscribe to Al Gore’s version of environmentalism, we need to offer them real redemption.  Perhaps the church needs to become more vocal about why the environment is not the most important issue in the life of anyone.