Saturday, January 31, 2009

David Attenborough on Bible Putting Natural World in Peril



David Attenborough in a YouTube video on his views of Darwin suggests the Bible has put the world in peril, by saying that the writings of Genesis which suggest the world was created for man has led to devastation, etc., and caused us to be in the situation we're in. To do so is not only to fail to interpret the Scripture correctly, but to falsely assign the cause of destruction and devestation to the Bible rather than sin. Such a view is not only short sighted, but misinformed.

For example, while the Bible teaches man has been given dominion over the earth, the Bible also teaches the earth still belongs to God, that man himself was created from the earth, that man is use resources for their intended purpose, that man is to work the earth that it might be productive, etc. A simple Google search on "Bible verses environmental stewardship" reveals a host of articles that speak to this subject in great detail.

This is nothing but a strawman and demonstrates either lack of scholarship or an irresponsible attack.

3 comments:

  1. I'm afraid that with atheists, truth and reason is not usually on the menu no matter what they say. Like Muslims, taqqiya is the order of the day.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hmm, I have immense respect for David and his life's work, I think that there is some truth in what he has stated, as particularly the Evangelical churches today aren't interested in Environmentalism as they believe that God is going to destroy the Earth soon anyways and God wants us to prosper and focus solely on saving souls (yes, this really is what some churches teach, I was in one!). However, regardless of what philosophical system you are supposed to belong to, it is easy for people to convieniently interpret any concept for their own selfish purposes. Environmental destruction is perpetuated by peoples of various Religions (including Atheism). I believe it is high time our Western mindset integrated the best aspects of Indigenous worldviews in regards to the sacredness of all life, not just human.

    There is a lot of polarization in regards to the Environment, many people tend to take extreme views, we need to recognize the best parts of Western civilization, whilst being honest about what we need to change.

    God Bless

    ReplyDelete
  3. David ,you are speaking with your limited knowledge about God and what is written in the Holy Bible. It is mentioned in Genesis about ''dominion''but only until Adam and Eve sinned against God. They sinned by disobeying God therefore stripped off the power over these. You may be knowledgeable about nature and species but clearly not about God.
    You need to open your Bible and read through to know what are the spiritual meanings and about the plans of God about human.
    One way I am thankful to you bcoz seeing your program nature's event, I could humble myself more to glorify God of His wonders on earth. Your program really helped me to know How Great our God is.
    It is really surprising that for a person like you....when seeing all these around, cannot think of a MAKER behind all these creations.
    please Dont make statements within your limited knowledge, theres still a lot more for you to know about God.

    ReplyDelete