I'm becoming increasingly impatient with the failure of Christian churches, especially those of a more conservative bent, to address one of the most pressing moral issues of our time: human despoiling of the environment by burning fossil fuels, particularly as this is reflected in our automobile-centric society. Today, while walking the Ozaukee Interurban Trail, I stopped at the Speedway in Cedarburg for a snack. On top of the gas pumps were signs promoting a website called Our Energy Voice. It's significant that this was in Cedarburg, as that municipality is typical of one that is seeing increasing flight from Milwaukee County. Those who have made the move likely view their cars (or, more likely, trucks, minivans or SUVs) as their ticket to freedom from the urbanity they escaped.
I, too, find Milwaukee County unappealing in many respects--particularly compared to its northern neighbor--and think that's an important factor in this discussion. Urban boosters either don't see the problems or try to cover them up. However, more than freedom from any kind of undesirable surroundings, I value freedom from my car. I value my car and the freedom it gives me to, say, go to a pleasant shopping center in the Chicago suburbs or (especially) to Pike Lake. However, I wish efficient public transportation were available to get me there. My Japanese-engineered car has provided me years of faithful service with almost no maintenance, but I know that when I spend too much time in it, I become mentally and physically unwell. (Everybody knows that you don't want to get hit by a car or get in an accident, but cars are unhealthy even when used as intended.) I also know that despite its highly fuel-efficient performance, in order to fuel it, I have to funnel money away from what I'd consider higher and better uses.
As a Christian, I want to use as much of my income as possible to promote and further the Christian worldview. Obviously, as a human being, I fall short of this standard. However, those who might wish to crowd out the Christian worldview--if not defeat it entirely--are busy spending their money doing just that. In that light, I find it remarkable that there would be a commuter church in downtown Milwaukee to which people drive from the far suburbs. Though not necessarily wrong in and of itself, this should at least be an occasion for pause and questioning. The fuel for the long drive costs a lot, even if not as spectacularly much as a year or two ago, and much or most of that gas money ends up going to unsavory governments abroad. (Personally, I'd also consider the domestic oil industry folks pretty unsavory, with their windfall profits and all.) The high-margin large vehicles the churchgoers drive likewise mean profits for US automakers--who still can't seem to stay off the public dole.
I want to resolve to devote as much of my income as possible to making an impact for God, and I encourage and invite fellow Christians to do the same. In my case, giving to my church and church body is one answer, but by no means a complete answer. In addition, I want to seek out and support those who have the Christian moral courage to call the great issues of our day by name, and not play it safe by hammering on issues that affect relatively few.
Oh, and by the way: I went to the CVS across the street for my snack.
