Dear Reader,

I must begin with a disclaimer: I am not a scientist; though I have been a teacher, pastor, and hospice chaplain and have worn other hats too random and numerous to mention. Here are three observations about climate change. They aren’t the typical arguments. Investigate them for yourself.

First, many in our culture are rejecting the notion that a personal God is in control. As a result, modern beliefs about climate change (and everything else) challenge traditional beliefs that come from the Judeo-Christian tradition. That tradition is not silent on climate change. The Bible’s Old Testament asserts that “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Since it’s His, He has privileges to do with His creation what a poet does with his poem or a sculptor does with his sculpture. If the climate changes, warmer or colder, it’s because God allows it, not because humankind has the power to influence climate.

Second, remember that accepting climate change as it is understood today is a matter of faith. Scientific evidence simply reflects that temperatures rise or fall. Those who believe that people are responsible for temperature changes or other climate-related matters must accept that by faith. Likewise, those who reject climate change as a doctrine do so by faith. Note the amazing words from Hebrews 11:3 in the New Testament: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Think carefully on that. “Through faith we understand…”

Third, I write this letter as a neighbor to you. I don’t write as your enemy. As a neighbor, I write to warn you from a heart of concern. If you embrace climate change as a doctrine which would lead to reordering the world (socialism, big government telling you what you can and can’t eat, drive, wear, and the like) you will likely believe that we are little gods who can control big things–like climate. Clear lines are being drawn. It is hard to accept the Christian gospel and climate change at the same time. Rejecting God is not only a lonely prospect, it’s a terrifying one. Rejecting God’s offer of personal salvation through Jesus Christ is too high a price to pay.

Paul the Apostle once warned Timothy to “avoid profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called” (I Timothy 6:20). There could be no more apt description of what climate change has become. Be warned. It is a false doctrine that demands your allegiance. It is not good science, and it places itself in opposition to the mighty Christ. That is a hideous position in which to find yourself.