There was lots of great discussion on my Earth Day post about conservation, and in the comments, I tried to explain a few things that got misunderstood or miscommunicated.
But then I thought about how a lot of you probably don’t read the comment section as thoroughly as I do (!), and I thought I should clear up a few things here on the blog where more of you will see what I say.
One
First off, I do recognize that a lot of Christians DO care about the environment (I’m a Christian and I care, after all!)
In my post, I mentioned that I’m encouraged by that and hopeful about more of that happening in the future.
So, if you are a Christian who already cares about the environment, a high five to you!
(And also high five to anyone of any belief system who cares about the environment. 😉 )
Two
Secondly, I also realize that if you did a Venn diagram of Christians and conservatives, not all would be in the middle. There’s frequently a large overlap between the two, but it’s not nearly 100%.
I didn’t mean to say one equals the other, but rather meant to mention them as two groups.
Three
Thirdly, I wrote that blog post (and probably every other post on this blog!) based on my own personal experience, which is, of course, limited.
If your personal experience has been different than my own, I think that’s fabulous! I would dearly love to see communities everywhere who are committed to loving people by taking care of the earth.
Four
I had hoped that my post would read as an encouragement (with some gentle nudging) for my fellow Christians to consider their attitudes toward the environment. I know that shaming people isn’t effective (or, um, kind!) and I’m so sorry if my wording made you feel that way.
I want to challenge and inspire and motivate instead.
_____________________________
Okee-doke. I think those are the main things I wanted to clear up.
Thank you for reading! And discussing. And giving me honest feedback.
(I really, really do value that.)
Also, I love that you are a group of readers who talk with each other and with me, and I’m so grateful you make my blog a part of your life.
Mwah!
Lee Ann
Saturday 25th of April 2015
I enjoyed your post and just want to add a bit if you will. Painting any group with a brush can be a not so good thing. I mean there are pro life Democrat and pro choice Republicans. As a conservative Christian I have served on the board of a homeless ministry. My fellow board members were surprised that I was conservative because the assume that all conservatives hate the poor and don't care about them. I've attended meetings regarding the use of pesticides in farming and how that has harmed many migrant workers. One time at this meeting a guy walks in and asks who is driving the car with the George Bush bumpersticker on it? I said me. Then I asked him to please don't hurt me. We all got a laugh out of it. My point in all of this is just because I am conservative does not mean I don't care and I'm sure the same holds true for folks on the other side of the spectrum. Of course we all feel that our way is best or we wouldn't be doing what we are doing but it would be nice to be able to work together and give each other the grace to live the way we feel. I really love your blog because you don't preach rather you share and we all can learn from that. I've learned to love aldi and that being frugal is not always about buying the cheapest but buying the best value that we can affored and believe me that is a big difference.
Keep up the good work and being an awesome frugalicious blogger.
Kelly in Oregon
Friday 24th of April 2015
LOL. I'm not a frequent comment reader so I didn't read the comments on that post (or this one). But I must say, this clarification makes me laugh because when I read the first post I thought "gosh. she is just so talented that she has this ability to NICELY say what she thinks about things and perhaps even persuade readers without seeing overbearing". I did notice the word "conservative" but I kinda glossed over it, I just figured it can mean a lot of different things. Anyway, this just gives me a chuckle because it's just another perfect example that you really can't please all people with all things!
Liz
Friday 24th of April 2015
I don't see how any Christian could be offended by what you wrote. If they are true students of the Bible, they would know God gave Man stewardship of the Earth & its inhabitants. Being a steward means to "embody the responsible planning and management of resources". Keyword here is 'Responsible'. Therefore, we should be responsible for everything Man does on this planet, both good and bad.
Mrs. A
Friday 24th of April 2015
I commented on your other post. Although I didn't necessarily agree with everything I don't think you had any bad intent whatsoever. I appreciate your clarification and I really truly appreciate your blog. I have learned very many things from your blog from how to make an easy composter to making very delicious meals from your recipes. I've gleaned tips on how to save money to help my family, signed up for targeted savings accounts on Ing… You get the picture! I've been reading your blog the last few years and when I first started reading it I liked it so much that I went back and read the entire archives, so in a sense I've been with you from day one and I don't plan on going anywhere! Thank you for your hard work, dedication and integrity.
Kristen
Friday 24th of April 2015
Oh wow. You should get a prize for dedication!
Kimberly T
Friday 24th of April 2015
I thought your original blog post on Earth day was beautifully done, thanks for all your hard work!