Why I Don't Celebrate Earth Day

We interrupt this tour to be extremely contrary: I don't like Earth Day, and I don't "celebrate" it.

What's up with that?

I have no problem in taking care of the environment. I have been a proponent of being a good steward of God's creation for a long time. One of Francis Schaeffer's books makes a compelling case why Christians should be the best environmentalists, and I really identified with what he said (it's been a long time, so I don't remember specifics). I carry a sack when hiking so I can pick up garbage as I go. I always look for ways that I can conserve in a sensible way. I don't like Hummers (though there are other reasons over them being environmentally incorrect).

I don't like Earth Day because it smacks of a new holiday of a new religion. I have a problem with the worldview that seems to be behind most of the promotion of this day. The worldview, in my opinion, is materialist and naturalist, meaning that "Mother" Earth is all there is, and we have to take care of our "Mother". I'm sorry, but this "mother" had a Father first. I will take care of my environment because I believe God doesn't want me to trash His creation, but I refuse to worship Gaia, a popular term for this reverential treatment of our planet.

Honestly, I also believe there is a conspiracy with Earth Day being in the spring. Sure, spring speaks of new life and is a good time to "clean up" (think of all the city clean up days after a long winter). But it seems that it is one more thing to distract from Easter what it stands for: the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Some might point to the pagan origins of Easter, and that Christians "co-opted" the day for their message. You know what, there was probably some of that going on. So I don't want to see the most important time of the year for me "co-opted" for some empty philosophy that has no ultimate meaning.

Forgive me for being a Scrooge, but I will do my part to be "green" and to take care of God's creation, as He called it good when He made it. I won't bow to another to worship though. Maybe I'm taking this too far. I only hope I am.