discussion board

Whitney Tillman                 DB 4 - Constitutional  Collapse         

The Preamble of the United States Constitution states that it is the duty of Americans to “promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to [themselves] and [their] posterity.” This specifically places the responsibility of protecting the environment, for not only the current generation, but also for future generations, on individuals. Monsma (2008) also specifically states that individuals must act to promote public policies which address the three key issues facing America today, extinction, pollution, and global warming (p.154). God provided the land for all humans to care for and enjoy;  by using up all the earth’s resources without consideration for others is essentially a sin in the eyes of the Lord: 

When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner:  I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19: 9-10, English Standard Version)

References

Monsma, S. (2008). Healing for a broken world: Christian perspectives on public policy. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. ISBN: 9781581349610.

U.S. Const., pmble.

Whitney Tillman                 DB 4 - Biblical     Collapse         

It is the duty of government to enforce environmental regulations because people are entitled to certain inalienable rights such as life, liberty, and property. Environmental protections should fall under this authority because if the environment is polluted then humans cannot enjoy life to the fullest extent; furthermore, Fischer (2013) states that policies which violate these rights are unjust. Monsma (2008) also reminds us that the earth and everything in it belongs to God, and humans are the caretakers of His creation (p.149). This point is further emphasized in Genesis 2: 15 (English Standard Version) which states, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” For this reason, it is important for humans to hold their governments accountable for not enforcing restrictions and imposing sanctions against those individuals who are harming God’s creation. 

References

Fischer, K. (2013). Biblical principles of government. Retrieved from https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/courses/PADM550_B02_201820/PADM550_LUO_8wk_MASTER_ImportedContent_20180105055628/Biblical%20Principles%20of%20Government.pdf

Monsma, S. (2008). Healing for a broken world: Christian perspectives on public policy. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. ISBN: 9781581349610.