A representative for an evangelical group that doesn't believe in man-made climate change has suggested that the modern environmental movement is harming civilization.
Speaking on the Janet Mefferd Show on March 18, Dr. Calvin Beisner of the Cornwall Alliance laid out four reasons why environmentalism is "the greatest threat to Western civilization."
Environmentalism is insidious, Beisnser explained, and it dangerously "speaks to the inherent spiritual yearnings of human souls and it provides plausible answers to dogged questions." It also incorporates the similarly dangerous threats of utopian Marxism, the secular humanism and the "religious fanaticism of jihad."
Lastly, "environmentalism encompasses all the vague spiritualities that have frankly overwhelmed secular humanism in the West and now threaten the Christian faith."
The Cornwall Alliance is made up of activists that are "committed to bringing a balanced Biblical view of stewardship to the critical issues of environment and development." According to the group's website, members believe "Recent global warming is one of many natural cycles of warming and cooling in geologic history."
While the majority of climate researchers believe climate change is caused by human activity, a 2011 poll found that Tea Party members and white evangelicals, such as Beisner, were statistically less likely to believe in evolution and climate change than most Americans.
Beisner is a popular guest on conservative evangelical shows that promote an anti-climate change agenda.
In November, he told the hosts of the American Family Association "Today's Issues" program that humans could not possibly be causing the "catastrophic consequences for the climate" warned by global warming scientists.
"That doesn't fit well with the biblical teaching that the earth is the result of the omniscient design, the omnipotent creation and the faithful sustaining of the God of the Bible. So it really is an insult to God," Beisner said.
The professor, who has a doctorate in Scottish history, was also featured in Bill Moyers' 2006 documentary "Is God Green?"
During interviews for the special, Beisner said that Genesis dictates humans should "Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it." This disproves the opinion of the "anti-population growth" activists, according to Beisner, who adds that pollution is a natural byproduct of reality.
It should be noted that not all evangelical Christians oppose global warming reforms. Groups like the Young Evangelicals for Climate Action take the stance that it is a Christian's duty to protect the planet.
View the video below to hear Calvin Beisner speak at Biola University in 2009:
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