Religious Climate (Spoken)

I am religious
and I am also
a believer—
in human-caused
climate change

most religions believe
in devotion to God
and to our neighbors
Jesus called these the—
Two Greatest Commandments

and core to the second
is the Golden Rule—
or treat others
as you would like
to be treated

part of loving God—
or the divine Creator
is to return that love
by caring for His creations
and not objectifying
our planet or its people

a stewardship of creation
includes a sacred duty to
love, respect, and care
for all people with whom
we share this earth

we can't stand idly by
as rising sea levels, floods
extreme storms, droughts
disease, wildfire, and famine
jeopardize homes, jobs, and lives

and sadly—the poor
will suffer the most
while others may easily
buy ways out of pain
—but only for a time

knowing earth is living
and home to life
that sustains humanity
should help us find
empathy for each other

the sheer volume of science
behind climate change
is staggering—
but the sheer volume of gospel
supporting care for all
is even more immense

learning to connect
God-given scientific minds
to devout hearts
is enlightening and brings
enduring joy and peace

remember—it is not the many
or big things we do as one—
but the simple and little things
we do as many—
that can heal our home

so—I believe in our time
that our demanding paths
of stewardship and discipleship
ascending mountains of destiny
have merged into one