faith

Pope Francis: If We Destroy Creation, It Will Destroy Us

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Pope Francis made the biblical case for tackling climate change on Wednesday, calling on Christians to become “Custodians of Creation” and issuing a dire warning about the potentially catastrophic effects of global climate change.

Speaking to a massive crowd in Rome, the Pope delivered a short address in which he argued that respect for the “beauty of nature and the grandeur of the cosmos” is a Christian value, noting that failure to care for the planet risks apocalyptic consequences.

“Safeguard Creation,” he said. “Because if we destroy Creation, Creation will destroy us! Never forget this!”

graphic: I Heart Climate Scientists
graphic: I Heart Climate Scientists

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Read full address at Vatican Radio

Think Progress: Pope Francis Makes Biblical Case For Addressing Climate Change

Why We Do What We Do

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It’s TED Talk Tuesday, and today’s video is Rev. Michael Dowd’s 2012 TEDx Talk which reexamines faith traditions and what science is now revealing about human nature and instincts:

The world’s faith traditions offer conflicting beliefs about our inner and outer nature, and our challenges. Fortunately, a knowledge-based view of reality is emerging, which is inspiring and uniting people across the globe. Rev. Michael Dowd sees scientific, historic, and cross-cultural evidence as modern-day scripture. He celebrates how a meaningful and fully evidential understanding of human nature is motivating people of all backgrounds and beliefs to live in integrity and to cooperate in service of a just and thriving future for all.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/DDMOF7qtlh8]

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Rev. Michael Dowd: Why We Struggle.

Take Time To Renew Your Spirit

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My frustration with religion is people who think it’s about four walls: You go in and are righteous and leave church and it doesn’t go with you. I love the great theologian who said, “Everywhere I go I preach the gospel, but only sometimes do I use words.” Or, “Before you tell me about your religion, show me how you treat other people.”

My simple point is that I judge a person’s faith by how they live their life, not by the tenets of their religion. I’ve watched the holiest of people walk past somebody in need or treat their staff mean. To me, the beauty of faith is only seen when people live it consistently or struggle to do so.

~Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey