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Summary:

In this conversation, Michael Easley and Dr. Calvin Beisner discuss the intersection of faith, environmental stewardship, and poverty. They explore Beisner’s journey into stewardship, the founding of the Cornwall Alliance, and the importance of prioritizing human needs in environmental discussions. They also touch on the recent publication of Megan Basham’s book, ‘Shepherds for Sale,’ which critiques the evangelical environmental movement and the influence of money in faith-based organizations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for accountability and critical engagement within the Christian community. 

Dr. Beisner and Dr. Easley discuss the importance of critical thinking and reading in developing a Christian worldview. They emphasize the need for Christians to engage deeply with scripture and literature to sharpen their minds. The discussion also delves into the green agenda, exploring the implications of environmentalism from a biblical perspective, including the trade-offs involved in energy production and the impact on the poor.

Takeaways:

• Human beings should be the top priority of all life.
• Poverty is a tragic reality that many have never seen.
• The principles of the Cornwall Declaration remain applicable today.
• Public figures should be held accountable for their statements.
• Critique should be expected in public discourse.
• Discipline in thought is essential for Christians.
• Logic is a vital tool in understanding faith. We need to pay attention to sharpening our thinking.
• Critical thinking skills are lost in most education.
• Social media contributes to a decline in reading.
• Reading a real Bible is essential for understanding scripture.
• Engaging with literature enhances critical thinking.
• The green agenda often overlooks human welfare.
• Trade-offs exist in environmental policies.
• Fossil fuels are crucial for modern life.
• Rising energy costs disproportionately affect the poor.

ABOUT DR. CALVIN BEISNER

Dr. Beisner is Founder and National Spokesman of The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, a network of over 60 Christian theologians, natural scientists, economists, and other scholars educating for Biblical earth stewardship, economic development for the poor, and the proclamation and defense of the good news of salvation by God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

He has written over a dozen books, edited over 30, contributed to over 35, and published thousands of articles, popular and scholarly; has lectured at universities, seminaries, conferences, and churches in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia; testified as an expert witness on the ethics and economics of climate change and climate and energy policy before committees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives; briefed the White House Council on Environmental Policy; and presented a paper to a scholarly colloquium on climate change of the Pontifical Institute for Justice and Peace at the Vatican in Rome. In 2014 the Heritage Foundation honored Dr. Beisner with the Outstanding Spokesman for Faith, Science, and Stewardship Award at the Ninth International Conference on Climate Change.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Shepherd’s For Sale by Megan Basham 

Climate and Energy: The Case For Realism by Cal Beisner and David Legates

The Cornwall Alliance

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