Some clarifications about conservatives, Christians, and conservation
There was lots of great discussion on my Earth Day post about conservation, and in the comments, I tried to explain a few things that got misunderstood or miscommunicated.
But then I thought about how a lot of you probably don't read the comment section as thoroughly as I do (!), and I thought I should clear up a few things here on the blog where more of you will see what I say.
One
First off, I do recognize that a lot of Christians DO care about the environment (I'm a Christian and I care, after all!)
In my post, I mentioned that I'm encouraged by that and hopeful about more of that happening in the future.
So, if you are a Christian who already cares about the environment, a high five to you!
(And also high five to anyone of any belief system who cares about the environment. 😉 )
Two
Secondly, I also realize that if you did a Venn diagram of Christians and conservatives, not all would be in the middle. There's frequently a large overlap between the two, but it's not nearly 100%.
I didn't mean to say one equals the other, but rather meant to mention them as two groups.
Three
Thirdly, I wrote that blog post (and probably every other post on this blog!) based on my own personal experience, which is, of course, limited.
If your personal experience has been different than my own, I think that's fabulous! I would dearly love to see communities everywhere who are committed to loving people by taking care of the earth.
Four
I had hoped that my post would read as an encouragement (with some gentle nudging) for my fellow Christians to consider their attitudes toward the environment. I know that shaming people isn't effective (or, um, kind!) and I'm so sorry if my wording made you feel that way.
I want to challenge and inspire and motivate instead.
_____________________________
Okee-doke. I think those are the main things I wanted to clear up.
Thank you for reading! And discussing. And giving me honest feedback.
(I really, really do value that.)
Also, I love that you are a group of readers who talk with each other and with me, and I'm so grateful you make my blog a part of your life.
Mwah!
I want to say thank you for your post and clarification. I think I got all your major points on your 1st post. I am a spiritual person, but not a christian or any other main stream or organized religion. I do respect your position and how you communicate that in your blog. I am sure there are many others like you, but you walk the walk and not JUST talk the talk.
As one person who does care about our planet, thank you!
Honestly, I think you could have posted all of the above with yesterday's post, and it would have caused a stir nonetheless.
Religion and politics (and, in this case, how they relate to frugality and protecting our natural resources) always get folks riled up. Plus, we (myself included) tend to read and pluck out what we want to hear or don't like without absorbing the bigger message. But it's important to talk about, provided it's in a forum that's honest and respectful and allows folks to actually have a conversation, not just one-up each other and say hurtful things to "win". And I think you provide that forum, so you're all good in my book. 🙂
Yes, well said Emily! I agree, especially with the "all good in my book" too.☺ï¸
You do have a great group of readers in your comments section! And I think your original post hit the nail on the head for me - I'm a Canadian Christian, who is pretty conservative on the political spectrum up here, but would probably be categorized as a flaming liberal in the US 🙂 I was encouraged by your post because I wish I did more for the environment but feel very limited by my circumstances in this season of life. Thanks for the reminder not to give up on doing everything I can, even when that doesn't feel like much in the grand scheme of things.
I am always amazed by the lack of 'snark' in your comments section. Somehow you have managed to curate a kind and forgiving group of followers on your blog. Kudos to you!
I know! I sometimes take it for granted and then am jolted back to reality when visiting the comment section of some other blogs. I'm so grateful to have a group of people here who are lovely even when there's disagreement. It's a beautiful thing.
Thank you for being brave enough to speak up about a topic that may be controversial, yet important. I appreciate the strong, kind tone of your writing.
I thought it was a very interesting discussion and really enjoyed it. You really do have a way with words, Kristen. I was raised Catholic by my mother who refused to buy single serving packaged items when they became the rage in the 80s and by my father who was recycling cans long before there was curbside pick up. Both are also extremely conservative from a political standpoint. To me, it's just as simple as stepping outside, seeing nature and feeling an innate desire to protect it since it cannot always protect itself (usually from humans!). I look at it like standing up for someone who cannot stand up for themselves. You just do it because it's simply the right thing to do. No matter who or what you believe in, or if you believe in nothing at all, taking care of the world around us in everyone's responsibility.
I thought your original blog post on Earth day was beautifully done, thanks for all your hard work!
I commented on your other post. Although I didn't necessarily agree with everything I don't think you had any bad intent whatsoever. I appreciate your clarification and I really truly appreciate your blog. I have learned very many things from your blog from how to make an easy composter to making very delicious meals from your recipes. I've gleaned tips on how to save money to help my family, signed up for targeted savings accounts on Ing… You get the picture! I've been reading your blog the last few years and when I first started reading it I liked it so much that I went back and read the entire archives, so in a sense I've been with you from day one and I don't plan on going anywhere! Thank you for your hard work, dedication and integrity.
Oh wow. You should get a prize for dedication!
I don't see how any Christian could be offended by what you wrote. If they are true students of the Bible, they would know God gave Man stewardship of the Earth & its inhabitants. Being a steward means to "embody the responsible planning and management of resources". Keyword here is 'Responsible'. Therefore, we should be responsible for everything Man does on this planet, both good and bad.
LOL. I'm not a frequent comment reader so I didn't read the comments on that post (or this one). But I must say, this clarification makes me laugh because when I read the first post I thought "gosh. she is just so talented that she has this ability to NICELY say what she thinks about things and perhaps even persuade readers without seeing overbearing". I did notice the word "conservative" but I kinda glossed over it, I just figured it can mean a lot of different things. Anyway, this just gives me a chuckle because it's just another perfect example that you really can't please all people with all things!
I enjoyed your post and just want to add a bit if you will. Painting any group with a brush can be a not so good thing. I mean there are pro life Democrat and pro choice Republicans. As a conservative Christian I have served on the board of a homeless ministry. My fellow board members were surprised that I was conservative because the assume that all conservatives hate the poor and don't care about them. I've attended meetings regarding the use of pesticides in farming and how that has harmed many migrant workers. One time at this meeting a guy walks in and asks who is driving the car with the George Bush bumpersticker on it? I said me. Then I asked him to please don't hurt me. We all got a laugh out of it. My point in all of this is just because I am conservative does not mean I don't care and I'm sure the same holds true for folks on the other side of the spectrum. Of course we all feel that our way is best or we wouldn't be doing what we are doing but it would be nice to be able to work together and give each other the grace to live the way we feel.
I really love your blog because you don't preach rather you share and we all can learn from that. I've learned to love aldi and that being frugal is not always about buying the cheapest but buying the best value that we can affored and believe me that is a big difference.
Keep up the good work and being an awesome frugalicious blogger.