Lately I’ve been thinking, (what else is new?) I can’t help it with the headlines constantly reporting of the rising temperatures, fires, floods, and drought. None of this is new. There are out of control wildfires every year throughout the US and Canada, there are even wildfire seasons. The rising temperatures are a fact. Lots of record breaking temperatures throughout the US in places that have never experienced anything like this. For the first time Europe is breaking heat records, which they are not prepared for.
The picture was taken yesterday. The smoke from the Canadian wildfires affecting us here in Virginia. You can smell it and feel it in your eyes.
Is it “climate warming”? I think so, even the scientists believe it. Unfortunately our present leadership calls it a “scam.” They are doing everything necessary to repeal laws protecting our environment and continue easing legislation so companies can raise the amount of greenhouse gasses they produce. They can continue to pollute the water and continue coal mining, raising even more problems. Instead of investing in clean energy, they are investing taxpayer money for their polluting agenda. It’s all about money and business.
Back to what I’m thinking…..Are we being punished by God? I’m honestly grappling with this thought. I’m genuinely surprised the Evangelicals aren’t screaming to stop and protect the beautiful earth that has been put in our stewardship. They’re not because they have a lot invested in this administration. By going against the constitution, having no separation of church and government. On the other hand the constant deadly flooding in Texas and the midwest. Is this too punishment? This is the where the president’s base is. I didn’t start out writing this to be political, but obviously it is..
On a side note, my cousin Lauren, who was never a religious person, has recently found comfort in God. Nothing wrong with this, I too find comfort in God and praying. She was raised Protestant, but non-practicing. Her first marriage was to a Catholic and converted to Catholicism. Again, non-practicing. Since moving to “Margaritaville” in South Carolina she has joined a bible reading group. She was baptized, (I thought she was when she converted to Catholicism). She says it’s a non denominational church. I’m thinking maybe it’s Baptist. My point here is she keeps talking about a very vengeful God. That’s all she talks about. I think of my God as forgiving, and accepting of all. She tells me I’m wrong.
What do I know? I’ve never read Bible passages or discussed interpretations. I tried reading the Bible once, I got to the begets and quit. I was raised Catholic and received the sacraments. I went to Catholic school until the fourth grade. I went to church as a youth but didn’t as soon as I didn’t have to. I have a lot of faith. I don’t believe in organized religion. I feel my faith is in my soul. When I did attend church the scriptures read weren’t about a vengeful God. They were uplifting. Anyway I guess she got me thinking about her “vengeful God,” and I’m wondering if we are being punished.