Things are not going so well for our little race. If you don't realize that by now, you will soon. We are living in a critical moment in history where we have two doors to walk through. One leads to a torturous and short-lived existence on a violent and barren planet, and the other leads to a life of peace-- Peace between humanity and nature, between our inner and outer lives, between what we need and what we are merely greedy for.
The first step is to realize that you are an integral part of the problem, but also a valuable asset to the solution. And that solution is a simple one: it is only to train yourself to be more conscious about the planet you live on; to think before you take, to ask questions about where your commodities and entertainment come from, and to change your life accordingly when you know you are doing something wrong. Somewhere between being a toddler and becoming an adult we forgot how to do this. We must bring back that child-like innocence, that yearning to know why, and when we couple that simple wonder with the self-discipline that we as adults know so well, then the solution can be wrought.
Can we do it? Can I?
This is the Green Test.
Each week, I will choose one thing common to my everyday life and investigate it. I will ask simple questions about it: How was this made? Where did it come from? Why do I use it? Is it good for me? It may not seem like much at first, but my hope is that added up, the little acts of change that may come from this test will accumulate into a healthier, greener life. A life that I can be proud of, and one that I can share with the rest of the world.
The Proposal
Posted by
Dice
Friday, July 24, 2009
Labels: change , environment , girl , green , test
3 comments:
Candice- I think this is a great idea. As recorded in Genesis man was to fill the earth and subdue it. This was part of God's original plan for his creation. We being part of this creation have the responsibility to care for it in order to glorify God. The peace between our inner and outer lives, and between humanity and nature comes from God through Jesus Christ, who has re-established the ancient, broken relationship between man and God in the garden of Eden. He desired to fix this problem because he loved his creation, even though part of it (mankind) rejected his original plan for a peaceful one. Therefore, Christ being human and God gave his life as a sacrifice unto death, which is the payment for the problem. By this payment the relationship that was intended for us is immediately available by trusting in Christ as my Saviour. Both presently and in the future, and in the afterlife, I can know why the green test is a useful habit or formula to practice and thus make that part of my motive of thanking God for what he gave us, and gives us each day. Another reason to know and be in touch with the creator of this universe? :)
I agree with Ted that this is a great idea. I was delighted to hear Ted's thoughts as its proof that this isnt a "culture wars" issue, but one that everyone has an interest in regardless of belief system or ideology. There are a million reasons for wanting to be green, and an attempt to be so for spiritual purposes is admirable. Of course, there are those who do not have such inclinations and simply want to be good. But even if neither of those strike your fancy, at the very least i think all human beings are capable of seeing that this is a practical issue and in the interest of our collective self-preservation.
I think you hit the nail on the head, Candice, when you said that this is a critical point in our history. It might all be for nought if its simply too late to reverse the effect, but at least we can say we tried.
In the end, everyone can benefit from action and change. The hard part will be convincing them and that's why I drink to this blog's health (in addition to our planet's). I am also envious because I didnt come up with the idea, and hope that you can teach us lots. Maybe soon enough I can be green, with envy.
Wow thanks so much guys. I appreciate the input, whether it be from a religious or secular point of view. Ted I like your comment because I think for some people Christianity offers an 'easy way out' of the environmental crisis-- ie. this is God's plan, it's Judgement Day coming, God gave humans the world to reap and sow, etc. I think you have an enlightening stance on religion's role in becoming a more eco-friendly world, and I hope you pass it along. Nathaniel thank you for your kind words. I hope I live up to them! I agree that everyone should be able to see that this is a problem that goes beyond race, culture, gender, or any of those divisions. At its core it's simply about living and dying, and that is the one thing we can all relate to.
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