Pentecostal Discussions

Poverty and Ecology

by Shane Clifton

I would like to address a debate that has been underway between Josh Ballard and Kate Tennikoff in the comments section of this blog (see here)

Josh's concern is that the cost of fixing global environmental problems will distract us from focusing on the issue of poverty - that the money we spend on global warming would be better spent on world poverty.   This is a common view, and the argument against addressing climate change has further weight if people take the view that the mechanisms of capitalism and industrialization that are understood to contribute to third world development also contribute to pollution and other environmental problems - i.e. that we need to choose between economic development for the sake of the poor and environmental concerns. 

I would argue, however, that this is a false dichotomy.  Indeed, it is now generally accepted that the issues of human poverty and environmental destruction go hand in hand and further, that global society can and should work toward the goal of environmentally sustainable human development.

Korean Trip & Dr Cho on Ecotheology

by Shane Clifton

For those of you who followed my previous posts, I thought you would be interested to know that i have arrived in Korea.  My flight went well - if not relatively long and boring.  When i arrived i was rushed from the airport straight to dinner.  The meal was a seafood spread - including shellfish (of a myriad type), squid - live and wriggling, raw fish, fish soup!!!!!!   I was impressed with myself, because i ate the lot - including putting the squid into my mouth while it was wriggling.

Some of the group involved in the discussion are pictured with our conference banner: Front row, left to right – Dong Soo Kim, Kim Sunghae Cho (President Hansei), David Kwon Back row, left to right – Ki-Seong Lee, Hung Geun Im, Gwi Sam Cho, Bruce Stephens, Shane Clifton, Hanna Kwon, Jennie Stephens, Mun Chul Shin

Anyway, as you know i am here to present a paper to the Hansei University / Southern Cross College theological symposium, on pentecostals and ecology.  As part of my responsibilities, i am responding to a couple of papers written by Hansei faculty.  In the process of reading the paper by Dr Hyung Geun IM ("Some Thoughts for an Ecological Pentecostal Theology"), i came accross a transcript of a sermon by Dr Yonggi Cho (pastor of the worlds largest church - the Full Gospel Church).  I thought it might interest you, and have set it out below (ps - sorry to interrupt Jacqui's discussion of princess theology - i am sure we shall hear more from her)   

Pentecostals and Ecology - part 4

by Shane Clifton

We need to note in the conclusion to this series that theological reflection about ecotheology represents only a small componant of a full-blown ecotheology.  Beyond the transformation of the culture of pentecostalism is the task of infusing its social structures with an ecological ethos.  There is also the need to address the very practical questions relating to the identification of environmental issues (what actually are the global and local problems facing the earth) and deciding how the church can participate in their healing.  Answers to these questions entail much more than theological reflection, but requrie broad dialogue with scientists, politicians, environmentalists etc.  It will also be necessary to work out how to translate global ecological concerns into the practical mission of the local church.  The task is potentially overwheliming, but a church empowered by the Spirit sees, not impossibility, but the premonition of God's possibility (citing Lyle Dabney).

Pentecostals and Ecology Part 3

by Shane Clifton

I am going to conclude this first series on Pentecostals and Ecology with a brief discussion (below) on the implications of the movement’s soteriology for its ecological ethos. As your excellent replies to my previous posts have indicated, there are many other topics that might be discussed, some of which I have addressed in the full paper I am delivering in Korea. These include a discussion of healing, baptism in the Spirit, eschatology and prosperity, and their implications for ecotheology. Those wanting to see a copy of the full paper can email my assistant, Joohee Lee, at [email protected]. In my next post I want to move from theology to practice – and get you all to suggest some practical ways in which Southern Cross College might model an ecological ethos. But first, let’s think about the implications of the declaration, “Jesus saves.”

Pentecostal Soteriology and Ecology:

One of the major reasons for the failure to develop an ecological theology is (as a number of people have suggested in response to my previous posts) that Pentecostals tend to understand salvation solely, or at least primarily, in relation to salvation of the human soul.

Pentecostals and Ecology Part 2

by Shane Clifton

Eschatology is only one aspect of Pentecostalism’s theology of creation, which is often framed at the other end of history with six day, young earth creationism. This understanding of creation finds its theological impetus in literalistic readings of the Scripture, but it finds its emotional support in the affirmation of the uniqueness of humankind; the complete distinction between intelligent humanity and the “dumb” ape.  Without wishing to enter into the hermeneutical and scientific debates surrounding this fundamentalist understanding of the beginnings of the universe, the ecological problem relates to the explicit setting of humanking above nature.

Pentecostals and Ecology - part 1

by Shane Clifton

For the last two years, Southern Cross College and Hansei University (associated with Dr Yonggi Cho) have joined together for an Aussie/Korean theological symposium.  Last year the Korean professors travelled to Australia, and in the first week of June this year Mark Hutchinson, Bruce Stevens, David Kwon and myself get to travel to Korea.

Hansei set the topic this year; Pentecotals and Ecology, and I must confess to some degree of surprise and anxiety. My first thought was that such a topic would be impossible – what more is there to say but that Pentecostals have not really expressed any interest in environmental matters? I almost suggested a change of topic, but ended up deciding not to take the cowards way out. After all, how would I deal with my conscience if I refused to consider such an important topic. So, I have drafted a paper, and I thought that, over the next few weeks, I might share a few sections, and get your comments and feedback to see whether I can develop it further. Below is an extract from my introductory section – more will follow