The Sept. 26 letter “Ruining earth will ruin humans” separates human beings from “mammals” for the wrong reason. Humans differ from other mammals because the latter live out their lives on the basis of instinct alone, while humans have the capacity to think abstractly, communicate extensively with language, and carry out an enormous array of tasks. We also have the freedom to make consequential decisions, for good or for terrible evil. Humans are in fact mammals, but also much more. Having been endowed with free will, we can do things that are outside the ability of the rest of the animal kingdom.
As a lover of animals, I, too, celebrate their presence in our world. But they are not morally superior. Their natural instincts limit their impact on the world.
It is true that human freedom, expressed in self-centeredness, has brought much damage to the world. Christians call these actions “sin;” which is expressed in the rejection of the will of God the Creator. This matter is serious. Yet the Bible never diminishes sinners to the level of a virus. In love God (not “Mother Earth”) sent His Son Jesus into this world to deal with our sin problem. He calls us to turn from our sinful rebellion so that, by faith in Him, we may become His instruments for goodness as we place our lives into His hands. We are therefore faced with the fundamental choice between either decrying our existence, or instead receiving the gracious plan of the Maker of the heavens and the earth.
Gary Jensen
Pastor, Zion Lutheran Church
Snohomish
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