Doomsday Clock
Unveiling the Doomsday Clock are (right to left) Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Mary Robinson, Sharon Squassoni, Daniel Holz. and Siegfried S. Hecker. (Photo by Jamie Christiani/Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Used by permission)
A United Methodist Insight Column
Hardly could any opening statement be more sobering than this:
"This year, the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moves the hands of the Doomsday Clock forward, largely (though not exclusively) because of the mounting dangers of the war in Ukraine. The Clock now stands at 90 seconds to midnight—the closest to global catastrophe it has ever been."
In addition to the nuclear threat, the Bulletin cites climate change, disruptive technologies and biosecurity (read: coronavirus and other diseases that can easily spread globally). It's instructive and important to read the Bulletin's entire package of articles on the crises behind the Doomsday Clock, both to prepare and to look for solutions to these threats.
The latest report reminds me of a line from a science fiction novel: "When in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout." The line was delivered sarcastically, because it's exactly the opposite of what we should do when faced with calamity. Better instead to focus on Jesus' words:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." – John 14:27 (NRSV*)
Yet how can we not be troubled when faced with the woes of the world, from the war in Ukraine to mass shootings in the United States? Jesus also has words that should encourage us:
"See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." – Matthew 10:16 (NRSV*)
Jesus never told us to ignore the realities of life, for we live "in the midst of wolves" every day. Instead, he put his focus on matters of the spirit, to give us the courage to confront whatever perils come our way, trusting that whatever happens, God will bring good from it.
IMHO ("in my humble opinion," as we say online), we may well be close to global catastrophe, but we're also living through a time of tremendous opportunity for Christians to witness to the authentic good news of Jesus Christ. Religion plays a singular role in energizing people to respond to human needs, both in large scale policy decisions and in individual actions. I refer not to the corrupted version espoused by short-sighted, power-hungry elements that promulgates attitudes that are behind crises. Instead we need the authentic message of Jesus' expansive gospel that creates peace and justice through welcoming all, bringing reconciliation among people, and working to bring about God's gracious kin-dom, what the mystic theologian Howard Thurman called "the beloved community."
With such a mission before us, acts both large and small become crucial. We mustn't be overcome by despair at the world's woes. Instead, we can do something each day to stave off the threat of global disaster. Write a letter to elected officials speaking up for the most vulnerable. Plant a tree. Practice kindness daily, even when abused. Smile at children and tell them they're beautiful. Pick up trash by the roadside. Visit a nursing home. Feed hungry people. Vote. Send a card to a shut-in. Fear no church splintering. Stand up to evil forces with calm and courage. And share what you do with other Christians, so that we all will be encouraged to keep on keepin' on.
It's 90 seconds to midnight, the scientists tell us. What are we going to do with our time?
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Chart by Our World in Data via Sentient Media
Eat more, grow more sustainably in 2023
Sentient Media, one of United Methodist Insight's partners in Covering Climate Now, is an online magazine based in the United Kingdom that has an instructive article, Want to Eat More Sustainably in 2023? The article has several suggestions with links and includes an illustration showing how much greenhouse emission each type of food adds to the worldwide climate crisis.
Beef seems to be the biggest culprit in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and has been linked to cardiovascular disease, one of the biggest killers in the United States. Eating less beef each week would be a simple and effective place to start. To get good protein, look to more plant-based sources for our traditional United Methodist potluck suppers. Have a good plant-based recipe for a potluck dish? Share it with Insight readers.
At the same time, climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe says rooftop gardens are making inroads into food insecurity. From one of her recent newsletters:
"Climate change is affecting food security worldwide. One solution is to grow food closer to where people live. This is already happening in cities like Montreal (where I was for COP15) and Dallas, Texas (where I live).
"In Montreal, Lufa Farms has built four rooftop greenhouses that supply over 20,000 families every week. They estimate they could feed the entire city if they converted the rooftops of 19 shopping centers into hydroponic greenhouses!
"And in Texas, an elementary school teacher named Michael Bell has earned himself the nickname of “plant daddy of Dallas” by growing organic produce on his half-acre plot in the south part of the city that nets him an additional $120,000 a year."
Gardeners know that now is the time to start seedlings indoors to have them ready by planting season at the end of March in warmer climates. Pick your favorite green vegetable and get growing!
McKibben Exxon
Climate activist Bill McKibben, a United Methodist, holds a sign witnessing that Exxon knew decades ago that burning fossil fuels was inciting global warming. (Photo Courtesy of Bill McKibben/The Crucial Years)
Spread the word: Exxon knew about climate change
Speaking of Dr. Hayhoe, she and our favorite United Methodist climate activist, Bill McKibben, are just two of the climate activists who have spread the word that the world's biggest oil company, Exxon, knew decades ago that burning fossil fuels was changing the planet. Dr. Hayhoe points us to an article in Fortune magazine; Mr. McKibben took a selfie at an Exxon pump to accompany his Jan. 12 "The Crucial Years" post, "Godalmighty, Exxon Knew Absolutely Everything."
As they both suggest, we need to be spreading the word about Exxon's duplicity, along with avoiding Exxon products and moving as quickly as we can to electric vehicles and fossil-free power sources. Don't forget – the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden includes benefits related to both goals. Check out the details and your eligibility at Plug-In America.
Media Mentions as of Jan. 24, 2023
Gulfport Church Opens Its Table To the Community - The Gabber Newspaper
Free monthly food distribution held at Willoughby United Methodist Church - News-Herald
Lansdale church remembers Montgomery County victims of gun violence - thereporteronline
Methodist Churches in Roaring Fork Valley Show Unwavering Support for LGBTQ+ ... – Christianity Daily
Healing Guatemala hopes to save girl's life - United Methodist News Service
Twins Association of Zimbabwe supports multiples mothers - United Methodist News Service
Faith leaders, residents raise awareness for winter shelter, remember MLK's legacy – The Daily Northwestern
Food tax reduction an important step, but Kansas families can't wait for full cut – Kansas Reflector
Local wheelchair ministry celebrating significant milestone:1000th ramp – WPSD Local 6
FUMC of Alabaster gathers donations to aid Selma - Shelby County Reporter
Born Again Boutique opens in Northumberland church - WNEP
SC United Methodists fear no 'gracious exit' amid costs of denominational split – Post and Courier
United Methodist congregations, ministers navigate denominational conflict – The Greenville Advocate
Opinion: Wesley UMC wants to focus on ministry, not arguing - Wareham Week
King's United Methodist kicks off bid to preserve community center - Times Reporter
Hearing set in church dispute | News | jonesborosun.com
New virtual ministry aims to connect displaced Oklahoma United Methodists with a new 'home' – The Oklahoman
UMC congregation decisions will affect the future of the church - The Daily American
United Methodist churches in Blount County make exit plan | News | thedailytimes.com
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Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, an online journal she founded in 2011 to be a channel for underserved and marginalized voices in The United Methodist Church. Her "Crisis Watch" column is one of Insight's contributions to Covering Climate Now, an international collaboration of more than 500 news outlets committed to enhance climate reporting. To reproduce this content elsewhere, email Insight for permission.