Wisdom for evangelical Christians

Abstract

The Religious Right continues to thwart collective political action on climate change by forming a majority voting bloc for candidates who share the view that climate change is theologically inconceivable, or that positive action against climate change would be economically disastrous. Its attempt to obstruct legislative action on climate issues shows a disturbing misunderstanding of scripture on the part of those ill-equipped to interpret it, and even less credibility in understanding the relevant science. Instead of relying on biblical passages that address the mythic past or distant future, the Religious Right should embrace biblical Wisdom literature, which affirms an intellectual tradition that addresses what can be derived from sense experience and the pursuit of knowledge. The tendency of the Religious Right to reject science, education, and expertise is disastrously consequential in a democratic system in desperate need of addressing climate change through government action—for the survival of the planet.