The Question:  Should there be a movement for our churches to go Green? Why/Why not? 

The Answer:  “No!” 

The Answer:  “We should want to do more to preserve the earth that God created for us, while we are still here. The church should also be relevant to our post-modern world. If we can remember one thing about 2007, it was that we were all urged to 'go Green.' The ministry of the church is to be relevant to its current generation. Here, can we find open doors for outreach and be a ministry to our world? It doesn't mean we have to hug a tree every morning.” 

The Answer:  “No! While I think we're all for taking care of God's creation, the liberal hype behind the whole global warming/eco friendly cult is enough to make any sane person sick!” 

The Answer:  “Absolutely! I was shocked at the superfluous use of TV monitors (not an anti-TV statement), lights, and energy in general at the services for youth convention this year! Why wouldn't we go green? It's not only our duty, but also more affordable and money saving for the church than ever! From using recycled materials in production, architecture, etc, to cutting back our electricity use and switching to more efficient bulbs, there are a myriad of simple changes any church can make to bring more glory to God with our responsible decisions.” 

The Answer:  “No! If you mean have the pastor get on the pulpit and preach an Al Gore speech? Show his movie? Give me a break! The church is for the saving of souls. Yes, we can all do our part, but let's keep our eye on the goal.  

One more thing, if we start to change our focus, then why not let PETA come in and say something about their message? What about that group Pink who screams and acts all crazy? Let the church stay the church and reach out to the lost. Unless some of you are planning on staying here after God takes the church. If that's the case, knock yourselves out!” 

The Answer:  “Yes and no. Going Green can save green (you know the slips of paper with portraits of dead presidents on them), so on that part definitely.  

But as Martin Luther King, Jr. learned in the mid 1960's, it is a bad idea to be outspoken on two topics and our churches have the first goal to seek and save them that are lost. So, no need to be outspoken on it, but going greener is a good idea. (With the onset and progression of the Vietnam War Martin Luther King Jr became an out spoken critic of the war.  Unfortunately this alienated many of his civil rights supporters and his influence in the movement waned during those years.)” 

The Answer:  “God gave the Earth to us.  We should be stewards of it, just as we are of anything else he gives us (e.g. time, money, talents, etc.).” 

The Answer:  “God's plan for Adam was that he would dwell in the Garden of Eden and tend the plants and animals there. Adam was to be a caretaker of the earth. Even though we don't live in Eden today, God still wants us to take care of the world he created for us to live in. We take care of our bodies because they are the temple of God; likewise, we should take care of the earth because God gave man dominion over it and we are called to be good stewards of what He has entrusted to our care, and that includes our planet.” 

The Answer:  “Sure. Why? Savings on utilities is a big reason.” 

The Answer:  “This may sound horrible, but I honestly don't care. Our church is big on recycling and we do try to conserve energy and water, but I think that's more to keep the bills down. What more can we really do? I'm asking that as an open-ended question, not a rhetorical one.” 

The Answer:  “I believe our churches should try to become less of the stereotypical American consumer beasts that we usually are. Becoming 'green' can add to the consumer machine that seems to never stop growing. Moderation, people, moderation.” 

The Answer:  “While I think we should be good stewards of this beautiful earth that God has given us, we don't want to lose sight of our main focus: souls. This earth will pass away.” 

The Answer:  “We should have been green all along.” 

The Answer:  “I don't remember Jesus including the 'Green' movement in the Great Commission. In fact, He said in the Sermon on the Mount not to worry about tomorrow! Everything is going to be fine!” 

The Answer:  “Absolutely not!  While I think individuals can/maybe should help do things to conserve energy and recycle, I don't believe we should become obsessed with it.  People can become so obsessed with saving the trees that they forget to save souls.” 

The Answer:  “I don't know if movement is the word I would use, but I do feel that I respect God when I respect His creation, something I try to do everyday.” 

The Answer:  “It would probably be a good idea because we are to live a life as if Jesus was coming back tomorrow and yet plan as if it will not happen in our lifetime.” 

The Answer:  “Why not? If you can do something to improve and take care of the earth which God entrusted to us, why not? It is a good and moral thing to take care of what God gives us and even if you don't buy into the Al Gore 'sky is falling' rhetoric, making changes in all of our lives to improve our environment is not a bad thing.” 

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