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Christianity Today, March (Web-only), 2007 |

Dobson, Others Seek Ouster of NAE Vice President

Interim president Leith Anderson says he supports Richard Cizik's work on creation care.

Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service | posted 3/02/2007 04:02PM

More than two dozen evangelical leaders are seeking the ouster of the Rev. Richard Cizik from the National Association of Evangelicals because of his "relentless campaign" against global warming.

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skippy

Posted: March 16, 2007 10:00 AM


This is in response to joymar's comments. Care of human destiny is directly dependant on care of the environment. Once you start destroying key elements of the food chain you threaten ALL LIFE on this planet. Apparently biology wasn't taught at your high school. Oh thats right scince is evil and the work of satan!!!!!!!!! MY bad

Jim Coons

Posted: March 15, 2007 12:42 PM


How can it be unbiblical to promote environmental health (unless we are claiming to "save the planet”?) Too many Christians have too much time on their hands. Come down to Central America and pitch in along side the poor and unsaved population. Then you will see how esoteric this fight really is. I am embarassed

Rimerague

Posted: March 14, 2007 10:10 AM

Maybe this has already been brought up in someone else's comment; as believers in the Savior and Lord of all nations, we should be concerned about anything that effects our brothers and sisters anywhere on this planet. Whether one believes specifically in the issues of global warming or not, there is abundant evidence that the way we carry on our lives here in America, the things we do to support and maintain and ensure our way of life, has had and continues to have a detrimental effect on the environment and therefore the lives of people all around the globe. None of us lives independently of our environment, though in the States we have attempted to live that way. But our greed (which is idolatry) dramatically effects others. We are only now beginning to be concerned because all of this may now be coming home to roost. It is about time we articulate and follow a biblical view of these things, to seek what pleases God, instead of just trying to keep a lifestyle. See Rev. 11:18

Nathan

Posted: March 14, 2007 8:05 AM

My church is not a member of the NAE, but as a pastor I have gained a lot of respect for the orgainization's efforts on the environment. The NAE is a powerful voice in Washington and elsewhere, and Cizik's efforts are a catalyst for bridges being built between the NAE and others (including the recent joint statement with scientists on global warming.) Why do Dobson and Fallwell get all the media attention that they do? Clearly, they are trying to preserve their unearned and declining status as voices for evangelical America.

slodge

Posted: March 14, 2007 1:13 AM

I read the link provided by sawchmo, and quote from the letter written to Dr. Taylor complaining of Richard Cizik's position on the environment. "Finally, Cizik’s disturbing views seem to be contributing to growing confusion about the very term, “evangelical.” As a recent USA Today article notes: “Evangelical was the label of choice of Christians with conservative views on politics, economics and biblical morality. Now the word may be losing its moorings, sliding toward the same linguistic demise that “fundamentalist” met decades ago because it has been misunderstood, misappropriated and maligned." Maybe not so maligned and misunderstood?! I don't care if you call it a donkey or a burro, it's still an ass.

Christopher Gilbert

Posted: March 13, 2007 8:40 PM


The myth of course is that evangelicalism can be defined in such narrow terms as Dobson, Falwell and followers see it, or the NAE for that matter. Storm in a teacup folks. Beside the point. History won't recall this dust up whern its already rolling over the so called key players.

Gabe	Posted: March 13, 2007 5:54 PM

The american evangelicals with their overt American Republican agendas are giving the evangelicals in the rest of the world a bad name...I used to respect Dr.Dobson, but I guess he would rather be campaigning for the 'Rich and the Powerful' than focus on the future generations...Im not saying Global warming is the gospel truth, but doesnt he see the need to cut back on greed and out of control consumption?

Jeff	Posted: March 13, 2007 11:03 AM


I cannot believe how ignorant some of my brothers and sisters in Christ can be regarding the state of our environment. We as humans ARE causing real damage, and we as Christians should be leading the pack in responsible stewardship of our planet - regardless of the sense of urgency about it. Perhaps the dominant escapist eschatological idea of a rapture has seduced Christians into apathy??

Sam	Posted: March 13, 2007 6:26 AM


I just found this sight and I am far from an christian (used to be one). I want to call for the ouster of Dr. James Dobson, who leads an organization I have fought since age 7. I am calling for his ouster for preaching ancient, outdate thought processes from a book that was writting by man. He needs to retire and SHUT UP.

sawchmo

Posted: March 12, 2007 9:24 PM


IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please check out the following link for DETAILED information about this issue. You will also find out the ORIGINAL letter (check out the Interfaith letter link) there for investigation. It should help all who are still interested to help decide who they should pray for and who they should bray at. http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000004114.cfm

Gibson

Posted: March 12, 2007 4:06 PM

There is nothing in Christianity that says a Christian's interests should aligned with those of large corporations and the very wealthy. Then there are organizations like Dobson's backed by such interests who put forth this message. Anybody opposed to corporate interests must be communists or socialists. Dobson is a demagog mainly involved in fear-mongering to serve his master's agenda. I also strongly believe Dobson has latent homosexual tendancies - many homophobes want some system in place to prevent them from acting on their desires.

Jim Lahey

Posted: March 12, 2007 10:48 AM


I am a conservative evangelcal, theologically, and I here by state that Falwell and Dobson does not represent me. They want to control everything evangelcal and in their arrogance they think they do. Please brothers and sisters, cease the support for these extremist and let us follow the whole Gospel of Jesus.

Kim	Posted: March 10, 2007 8:40 PM

"If he cannot be trusted to articulate the views of American evangelicals on environmental issues. . . " "The issue is not an appropriate focus for evangelicals." What?!? What makes these "leaders" think that Cizic is not articulating the views of American evangelicals and why are their "issues" such as gay marriage and abortion the only ones seemingly appropriate for Christians to be active about? I did not check my brain at the door to Christianity.

Bill	Posted: March 09, 2007 7:49 PM

I find it hard to understand why an organization like Focus on the Family would request the firing of someone who is following their conviction to protect our God-given environment. Evangelicals have for way too long been associated with those who are committed to raping and pillaging our planet seemingly with no concern for the environment. I have often wondered whether those of us in the Evangelical camp have given in too easily to those who use the soon coming of our Lord to defend their wanton consumerist lifestyle.

Robert Dailey

Posted: March 09, 2007 3:27 PM

As a scientist, I cannot agree with Cizek's conclusions, especially insofar as he attempts to describe his views as a conversion experience. I'd prefer to do science with data. Yet I doubt that James Dobson shares my reasons for opposing Cizek's work. Rather, Dobson seems to be in the last throes of his failed effort to anoint himself as some kind of evangelical pope. His continued ploys to make Republican politicians bow at his feet and kiss his ring have brought both the Party and evangelicalism into disrepute. Dobson's attack on Cizek is just one more self-aggrandizing attempt by Dobson to take out a rival. Evangelicals should feel free to jettison Cizek's science and Dobson's power-grabbing. But if the NAE can only give us a choice between these two options, then maybe it's time for it to fold. After all, many of us no longer even refer to ourselves as "evangelicals" since Dobson has turned the word into an epithet.

Paul RW

Posted: March 09, 2007 11:14 AM


How long before more "real" Christians will wake up to the sin of distorting the gospel by using it as a cloak to cover extreme, right-wing politics? Do Dobson, Falwell, and their political friends have, or deserve to have, any credibility any longer?

Donna M

Posted: March 09, 2007 6:59 AM

James Dobson has too much power. Who is he any way other than another rich fat cat who pulls strings in Washington to advance his own agenda?The polar ice caps are melting, weather patterns are changing, there is a hole in the atmosphere that we humans have caused. As christians, what should we do with the earth in such a state? Purge the planet from gays? Call Al Gore a moron? Dobson's attack on a man who honors God's creation and the christian duty to be a good steward of the earth makes no sense unless it interferes with Dobson's own political agenda and his grip on the conservative political base in this country. Biblical? I think not. Dobson is a political animal, sitting on his own empire and afraid of loosing influence. Evandelicals should rely less on his misguided, tainted leadership and depend on Jesus Christ to be their spokesperson. Dobson has never spoke for me. History will look on him and his machinery much like the Inquistion that darkened Christianity centuries ago.

John in Indonesia

Posted: March 09, 2007 2:56 AM

Unfortunately, for James Dobson, etc, the culture war is more important than the issue and a simple preponderance of evidence is not going to easily convince them to give ground. Even more unfortunate is how their stubbornness in refusing to at least concede the possibility that Al Gore might be right makes more difficult the very important job of winning lost souls. "I don't have to become like Jerry Falwell, do I?" is what I was recently asked by a potential convert. "No" I responded. But I thought, God certainly gives us that option.

Tim Carpenter

Posted: March 08, 2007 4:54 PM

Dean Ohlman should do a google search on "Charles Colson Global Warming" and he will quickly find that Chuck Colson does agree with Dobson. Thank goodness James Dobson is speaking out. He is has been a voice of truth for millions who agree with him. If we blindly followed the hysteria of the liberals, we would be spending billiions of dollars (more) for a "what if" scare tactic. . .and that would affect the FAMILIES of the U.S.A. greatly. Thanks, Dr. Dobson!

Boyd Holliday

Posted: March 08, 2007 2:34 PM


Name calling. Calling for people to be fired. Bullying tactics. Are any of the religious right listening to themselves? Do they have any scruples at all?

Dr. David Powell

Posted: March 08, 2007 1:45 PM

I am ever increasingly sad over the path of some Evangelicals re. Global warming. The concept of Global warming due to man's mis-use of the environment is not a mainstream concept but a politically liberal one. There have been warming and cooling trends all though the history of the earth. As an association of evangelicals we need to be more interested in bringing people into God's kingdom than in placing blame for the environment for the changes on neo-conservatives. The only mainstream represented by this alarmist point of view is the new and radical leftist liberals. Dr. David Powell

Ted	Posted: March 08, 2007 5:27 AM

How sad thaat some Evengelical leaders are so blind to the Scriptures that they fail to see that humans have a responsibility to a world created by God. Frankly, I am dismayed by the atttitude that Global Warming is a myth and, without any knowledge, dismissing it as irrelevant. Have they the same attitude to expert nedical opinion? And, why do so many Evangelical Christians believe that evolution is inconsistent with belief in a creator God? As someone on the other side of the pond, I feel I can view USA Christianity somewhat more objectively and sometimes the view is not altogether pleasant. Perhaps Paul can be our schoolmaster: "Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus"

Kathie

Posted: March 07, 2007 11:47 PM

I cannot comprehend the reason for all of this fighting. The Lord told us to care for his creation. Why is "global warming" an issue that is contrary to "Christianity"? I don't get it. True Christianity is taking care of widows and orphans and worshiping our Lord. Where does it say in scripture that science is somehow evil and that "global warming" does not exist? May I please have book and verse.

Brian, Boise ID

Posted: March 07, 2007 10:26 PM

Get your head out of the sand and examine the science. There is still debate on the whether mankind is the primary contributor to the observed global warming. I will wait to examine the science. Most of the scientists I respect in the climatology field are skeptical of the anthropogenic component. Lets get with other Evangelicals and do the work of the Church and leave the science to the scientists, not to the consensus seeking environmentalists.

Andrew

Posted: March 07, 2007 7:38 PM

I am glad to see that someone is finally trying to be proactive about our role, as Christians, in the stewardship of the Creation. As an Environmental Science student at Bethel University, I have heard and studied many of the arguments as to the cause(s) of global warming. I have come to the conclusion that whether or not we are affecting the climate, the practices under scrutiny in this case are almost always the same practices that harm the Creation in other ways. If it takes someone like Cizik to light a fire under the NAE and finally get it moving on creation care, I believe that he should be able to use a controversial subject like global warming; I see nothing immoral about examining how we affect our world. So many people in the church today only want to look at the Bible for answers to every issue, often forgetting that science can enlighten the mind and help us to understand and appreciate the wonders of this world that God gave us. Closedmindedness is killing us all.

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