In Theory:

Some Jewish communities in Southern California celebrated Hanukkah in ecologically friendly ways last month, cooking traditional foods in solar-powered ovens and making menorahs out of recycled wood and other materials. As we turn the page to a new year, what are some other ways religions can “go green” and aid the environment?

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The Apostle Paul, quoting the Old Testament psalm, said, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (1Corinthians 10:26 New International Version).

Since it is the case that God owns the globe, we are but tenants upon the great land Lord’s property, and it behooves us to care for His possession not only because it belongs to Him, but because it is our home for as long as it maintains. Every Christian should be taught to be a good steward of what is God’s, and each should put into action what he or she believes. If churches regularly preached such responsibility, and it was embraced by the congregations, then Christians ought to be the best of environmentalists.

Because of the general awareness of energy shortages, diminishing resources and growing population, most businesses (including our nonprofit church) are already recycling printer ink cartridges, waste paper and grounds trimmings. Where we might make another significant impact could be with our lighting. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if every house in America would replace just one standard light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, it would be like taking 800,000 exhaust-spewing cars off the road. Imagine, then, if America’s 300,000 churches replaced the dozens of bulbs in each of their facilities? I think that could make something of an impact as well as a statement.

Of course, it can’t be overnight, as resources for swapping out entire lighting systems, or water heaters or restroom flushers, etc., are limited to collection plates, and collections are limited to church service attendees. So, go to church and save the environment! You heard it here.

THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM

Montrose Community Church

Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

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In recent years, the letters WWJD, or “What would Jesus do?” have shown up in certain congregations, and more recently, I have heard of the same letters meaning “What would Jesus drive?” The idea, of course, is that Jesus would have a concern for the environment, and would therefore not drive some big gasoline hog but a more eco-friendly vehicle.