Earth Day Controversy: Trump’s EPA Labels Climate Change Beliefs as a ‘False Religion’

This week marks a significant Earth Day, the first since the U.S. government adopted a controversial stance suggesting that concerns about climate change are rooted in anti-Christian beliefs.

Lee Zeldin, Donald Trump’s former EPA administrator known for his climate skepticism, made headlines recently. In a March announcement, he touted a major deregulation initiative, claiming it was a victory over what he termed the "climate change religion." Zeldin stated that the EPA would enact 31 measures to weaken pollution rules, cancel grants, and halt vital climate research. His rhetoric aimed to address the livelihoods of American families, while critics argue these cuts could damage essential sectors like agriculture and energy.

According to a 2022 study by the Pew Research Center, evangelical Protestants exhibit pronounced skepticism towards climate change. Some question whether the planet is warming, while others doubt human involvement in this change. This skepticism marks a shift from the past. In the 1970s and 1980s, many evangelicals actively supported environmental stewardship, influenced by thinkers like Francis Schaeffer. His book, Pollution and the Death of Man, emphasized the Christian duty to care for creation.

Interestingly, even prominent organizations like the Southern Baptist Convention once encouraged eco-friendly initiatives. In a 1971 survey, a significant majority of clergy supported church-led efforts to combat pollution. However, in subsequent years, as the Christian right aligned more closely with the GOP, this stance shifted dramatically. A historian, Neall Pogue, notes that this ideological change wasn’t rooted in theology but in political alignment with pro-energy policies.

Today, the EPA’s budget cuts have notably impacted faith-based groups that help disadvantaged communities, according to Religion News Service. This has sparked pushback from faith leaders, who argue that religious teachings indeed support environmental activism. Jessica Moerman from the Evangelical Environmental Network insists that while climate change is a scientific truth, it is also a moral obligation for believers. Similarly, Marianne Comfort of the Sisters of Mercy emphasizes that faith drives their response to climate challenges.

In a thought-provoking statement from a member of Dayenu, a movement of American Jews addressing the climate crisis, the importance of protecting creation aligns deeply with religious values. Drawing from Jewish scripture, she asserts that stewardship of the earth is a shared responsibility, highlighting the need for community action to combat environmental degradation.

This ongoing dialogue reflects a significant evolution within faith communities regarding climate change. Rather than being seen as a challenge to belief, many now consider environmental responsibility a core tenet of their faith. As we celebrate Earth Day, the discussion on how faith and science can intersect to foster better stewardship of our planet remains vital.

For more insights from Pew Research on religious views on climate change, you can explore their 2022 study here.

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