Groaning Creation

Scientists have noticed that not only has climate change raised the sea level but it has also modified the way the Earth rotates around its axis. The following information might help us to take seriously this question of global warming: In addition to all the devastating and obvious effects sea-level rise will produce on the planet, such as flooding and erosion, sea-level rise also has the more subtle but nonetheless mindboggling ability to alter the way the Earth rotates on its axis.

The connection is through the change in the speed of the earth’s rotation. Melt water from glaciers can not only raise sea-level but could also shift mass from the pole to the Equator, which would slow down the rotation. If this is so, it would be catastrophic for all living on earth as it would result in slow adaptation of living organisms, in addition to many other big changes which we would have to face (change of seasons, natural disasters, ecological diseases). We do not know for sure what the impact of this adaptation would be but we could lose our orientation.

We are reminded by Paul of the suffering of the creation. God’s creatures suffer because of the moral decline of the world and the progressive deterioration of the planet. There is a close link between moral decline in a society and the destruction of nature and between the evil in our hearts and the overwhelming ecological problems we face (Solomon Andria in ROMANS- Africa Bible commentary Series- 2012- Hippo Books Publishers- Nairobip.149)

People who are living in poorer economies are the ones who suffer most from the effects of global ecological crises. This is an opportunity for the church to live out its missionary task in solidarity with the earth and also with the poor and the oppressed. SCRIPTURE: Romans 8.18-25

by Rev Yvette Rabemila Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM)

Prayer

Lord, help us not to be too pessimistic with what science is finding but to be always mindful of the hope which we are reminded of in Romans because with You, there is always something for which to hope.