“Vatican lists "new sins," including pollution”
See the Reuters new service article for the rest of the story or keep reading for today's Lenten rambling:
This Vatican action sound like a good thing. Rome is giving attention to environmental offenses. Its long over due. I am hoping it catches on. We may not agree on a few other sins the Vatican is discussing such as the sins related to modern science and bio ethics. But thinking about the future, carbon emissions, energy policies, species protection, deforestation..etc... gives us a few things for repentance in this season of Lenten confession and turning. Even the traditional evangelical groups and churches are seeing the need to care for creation! Stewardship never was meant to be just the church's annual fund drive.
But I am playing with the idea that the Vatican has a list of sins and they are adding new ones. If we add new ones , can we also take off some old ones just to keep the numbers manageable? We also know about outdated laws that need to be reconsidered in government regulations and ordinances. Most states and towns have a few that sound pretty odd or useless now. Churches should probably check for the outdated versions too. At least we finally got that slavery one sorted out. What's next?
I am wondering if different churches have separate lists of sins?
Well, I know we do. Drinking alcohol and gambling can get you in trouble according to some sin lists but not others. My caffeine use would definitely make the list according to the Latter Day Saints. And I am sure that the level of luxury and consumerism that I practice would be abhorrent to many Christians in developing nations; not to mention the early church; or at least those early monks that fled to the desert hermitages. And I am sure to be in trouble by some Sabbath lists both then and now. Next time we get a chance to make a list, can I submit any for revisions and consideration?
This could get controversial. You get the idea. Can we get this down to some kind of top ten list? Has that already been done? Or maybe we will have to stay loose with the list and work on this love and spirit guideline. I still probably need a checklist to review. A long one. Send me your latest suggestions!
If we keep getting more new ones this month I meet need to file for an extension in the Lenten season in case I don't make the confession deadline.
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That is really a pretty big deal. Interestingly, in many ways churches have been out in front with with regard to the environmental crisis. The American Baptists issued a declaration on creation care in the late 1980's (that amazingly mentioned the possibility of climate change), the Catholic Bishops first published a stance on environmental and social justice issues in 1992! I think we Methodists followed that up in '96 (or in 1992). All of these are well before even the science community was being as vocal as they are today. My professional organization still hasn't come up with a position - just a bunch of warnings and predictions.
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