Why should, Christians and Atheists both be interested in one particular book of the Bible, more than any other in this sacred text? It has been one of the most feared, and perhaps, most misunderstood pieces of Christian literature of all time. In fact, according to many scholars, it almost didn't make it into the accepted cannon of scripture.
Some modern historians and critical scholars insist that it is a cloistered critique of the Roman Empire. I'm not here to debate the author's true motives in writing this ancient apocalypse. Whatever you believe about the book of Revelation, whether it is prophetic or propaganda, one thing is clear. It is a cautionary tale of global proportions.
To a novice, it might sound like an anime story. There are unbelievable titan-like beings depicted. While Christian's may treasure this revelation by Jesus Christ, why should a secularist, atheist, agnostic, and especially an environmentalist be interested in a nineteen hundred year old doomsday tale?
Before we consider the answer, I want to remind whoever is reading this, that changing your particular beliefs is not the aim of this book. Just try to notice the texts to follow, through the lens of your particular worldview. We live in a diverse world, but what we are about to consider, just might have a universal appeal.
The book of Revelation, or Apocalypse, is generally understood to be a narrative, rich with metaphor, although some portions may be taken more literal than others. I'm not here to interpret sacred scripture or imply prophetic significance to the text.
The common view among evangelical Christians, is that the contents of this book will soon be visited upon sinful unrepentant humanity in the form of various plagues from God.
However, I have found a pattern in other portions of the Old Testament that may give Christians a reason to reconsider the true source of the events described in Revelation.
There is a book of the Bible in the Old Testament that has even been included in some high school textbooks. It is known as the book of Ruth. This book which is set in the period of the Judges of ancient Israel tells a story of a family that is torn apart by famine, and death. It begins with three women on a journey to the promised land. One woman is an Israelite. The other two are foreigners from a land called Moab.
Naomi is the mother-in-law to the other two women named Orpah and Ruth. All three women have lost their husbands. Naomi is devastated and mourning the loss of her husband, and two sons. Choices were made to leave her homeland, but now she is returning in shame. Then, she utters a lament over her tragic situation. When others address her by name, she replies: "Do not call me Naomi, but call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me."
Naomi felt that she was being punished by God for leaving her homeland in a time of famine. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that God has an unexpected blessing for her.
In the Bible, it is a common practice to attribute a plague, a barren womb, a bad spirit, or even a stubborn attitude to the will of God. However, in each of these stories, God is not actually the source of distress, but is usually offering a solution to the problem.
This is not all that different from the common practice in our modern world, of calling a natural disaster, 'an act of God'. Phrases like this, paint God as a cruel dictator, who torchers humans into obedient submission. This does not square with biblical narratives like the book of Ruth. In reality it is usually just the consequences that result from choices that are made.
An atheist may lock onto such statements to prove the God of the Bible is a dangerous and destructive concept (especially in our modern world). When a tsunami devastated the shores of many countries around the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004, one popular televangelist implied that those countries suffered the devastation, because they hadn't turned to Christianity. It is statements like this, that feed the narrative of an unjust God.
In reality, sometimes, things just happen. Take climate change for example. Are humans directly responsible? Some say yes. Others say no. Is climate change real? People disagree, but something weird is happening. That much is certain.
So, how does the book of Revelation fit in with this debate? Let's suppose, for the sake of argument, that the acts of God mentioned there in, are not direct acts of God, but consequences of human choices.
Have you ever considered these plagues as environmental disasters? For instance, Revelation chapter sixteen, verse three, describes a third of everything in the sea dying. Based on current scientific studies, if coral reefs continue to die, all life in the ocean could one day follow.
Consider another example. Revelation chapter sixteen, verses eight and nine, describes scorching heat from the sun. Earth's temperatures are indeed rising. Some researchers have even suggested that the sun itself may be increasing in temperature.
Another text at Revelation chapter eight, verse seven, refers to trees and other vegetation being burned up. No matter who is to blame, deforestation is a real issue in our modern world.
There are many other environmental passages like these throughout the book of Revelation, but perhaps the most ominous of all is found at Revelation chapter eleven, verse eighteen. There it says at the end of the verse: "God will destroy those who destroy the earth."
Now, I know what some reading this might be thinking. This is just a threat against ancient Rome for destroying the city of Jerusalem in the land of Israel. That may have been the case, but Rome continued on as a major world power long after Jerusalem was destroyed in the year 70 of our common era.
That thought aside, let's get back to the common Christian worldview. In this verse (Revelation 11:18), there is a specific link made between how humans treat the earth, and God's wrath (or justice). Why would God be concerned with humans damaging the earth if he is just going to destroy it anyways? Another thing to consider is this: Who was Revelation written to, Christian believers, or unbelievers?
A common conception, is that Christians will be spared these environmental catastrophes, through some rapture event. Okay, let's say you're right. Let's say you will be raptured first, and spared the devastating consequences of your actions towards our global environment. Does that mean that Christians get a free pass to trash the planet right up until their lord calls them home? Does that sound like justice to you? To those of you who answer yes, I hope you're right, for your sake. But I will remind you of something Jesus Christ said while giving his famous Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 7:21 says: 'Not everyone who calls Jesus lord will inherit the kingdom of God.' He continues: 'Only those who do his father's will.'
So here are some questions for you, dear believer, to ponder over: What did he mean? Is Revelation 11:18 to be taken as gospel or not? Have Christians of previous centuries taken such a reckless attitude towards the environment? What were humans asked to do with this earth from day one? Were we to be overlords, or caretakers of this planet? Are you absolutely sure God will look the other way while you hop on the lifeboat of Christ? Are you sure you're not trampling upon his blood as Hebrews 10:29 suggests?Is that a risk you are willing to take?
This is the real issue. All this time Christians have focused on preaching the gospel. Making disciples of Jesus has been the quest of Christianity, but is that what has actually happened historically? Would the indigenous cultures of the world agree with that narrative? Perhaps, Christianity needs to take a long hard look in the mirror of history. How is conquest at sword point (which Jesus literally condemned) the will of God?
Humans did not start ruining the environment of this earth in the twentieth century. Neither was the era of the industrial revolution the beginning. This destructive pattern has been present for nearly as long as humans have existed on this planet. At times, we have worked in harmony with our ecological systems. But more often than not, humans have been a blight on all living things on this earth.
If you are truly a Christian, then now is the time to put your political views down. This planet is entering a period of great upheaval. Your unbelieving neighbors need you now more than ever. Isn't that what Jesus said would identify a Christian? If we won't show love for our own home, why would God invite us into his?
We all have work to do. You can either be part of the problem, or part of the solution. Ask yourself that question you love to ask: What would Jesus Do? Whatever you believe, whoever you are, and no matter your worldview, we all have a part to play. Don't just wait for God to bless you, give him something to bless. Let's turn the page, by abandoning this mindset of environmental indifference. Together we can all make a real difference.
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