or thoughts for the summer holiday?

by Howard Fitall

Is there a distinctive Christian message for the use of the earth’s resources? Do we have the answer to the problems of caring for the world’s population?

I believe that we do have that message and those answers!

My confidence is grounded in the belief that this earth, and we ourselves, are an integral part of God’s Creation. In the light of this faith we must use all the powerful means that God has given to us. Thus we have to combine the moral insights that Christ’s teachings give with the immense potential of our modern science and technology.

The primary moral insight is the value of each and every human being, to give them both personal dignity and the quality of life which brings reality to ‘noble words’!

The primary technological insight is to make the best possible, long-term, use of our science to enable the rich potential of the earth to be put to all our benefit.

The implications of the moral insight are already enshrined in various ‘Bills of Human Rights’; to which Christians have made a major input. Our challenge is to make them work!

The implications of the challenges from science and technology are immensely complex. That must not deter us from being fully engaged in their solution and realisation.

These are NOT matters of party politics or of denominational differences. God’s laws work all the time and everywhere. We must be open to the guiding of the Holy Spirit in using our God-given wits to enable all the peoples of the earth to have a decent quality of life in all it’s fullness.

To combine heart, mind and hand;
To offer love to one and all;
This is that for which we stand
Not to love will be our downfall.

To know with God, the right way
To use the insights of our mind;
To bring hope and not dismay;
This is the treasure we can find.

To make use of human skill
Guided by the Holy Spirit
Thus combining work and will
Showing love’s real, holy merit.