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Interfaith
Perspectives on Energy
Let
There Be Light: Energy Conservation and God's
Creation
An Open Letter to the
President,
The Congress & the American People
May 21, 2001
As heads of major
religious communities, we pray that all Americans
will reflect carefully and speak clearly from
their deepest moral and religious convictions
about the President's recently announced energy
plan.
Far more than rolling
blackouts and gasoline price increases are at
stake: the future of God's creation on earth;
the nature and durability of our economy; our
public health and public lands; the environment
and quality of life we bequeath our children and
grandchildren. We are being called to consider
national purpose, not just policy.
This is the first
debate on energy in a generation, and it takes
place under unprecedented circumstances: global
warming is a scientific fact; population growth
has added 2 billion people to the planet; the
aspirations of the developing world are raising
consumption; advances in new technologies for
clean and efficient energy make renewable energy
a technological and economic option. We must take
time to engage this challenge as a moral people
at a pivotal, historic moment.
We are not scientists,
energy experts, or policymakers. But because this
challenge raises fundamental moral and religious
questions, we believe the perspectives of faith
and values should help shape a national discussion.
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Conservation
and Stewardship of God's Creation
"The Earth is the Lord's and the fullness
thereof" (Ps 24:1). In light and wind, in
land and water, energy resources are abundant
gifts for human well-being from our creator God.
Because we are called to "till and to tend
the garden" (Gen 2:15), we have a moral obligation
to choose the safest, cleanest and most sustainable
sources of energy to protect and preserve God's
creation. Energy conservation is faithful stewardship.
Conservation and Responsibility to Future
Generations
The gifts of God's creation are to be conserved
over time for God's children. "This is the
token of the covenant which I make between me
and you and every living creature that is with
you, for perpetual generations" (Gen 9:12).
Humankind has a fundamental choice of priorities
for its future. By depleting energy sources, causing
global warming, fouling the air with pollution,
and poisoning the land with radioactive waste,
a policy of increased reliance on fossil fuels
and nuclear power jeopardizes health and well-being
for life on Earth. On the other hand, by investing
in clean technology, renewable energy, greater
vehicle fuel efficiency and safer power plants
we help assure sustainability for God’s
creation and God’s justice. Energy conservation
is intergenerational responsibility.
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