Challenge to BBC’s Springwatch host
A Rocha UK has challenged ‘Springwatch’ host Chris Packham for his public criticism of Christianity, which he claims ‘doesn’t help’ to change people’s attitudes about the planet.
In an open letter to the controversial naturalist, Churches And Theology Director Dr Ruth Valerio said she is ‘saddened’ by his opinion that Christianity encourages people to exploit the earth’s resources.
‘I would like to suggest, in all humility and politeness, that you have misunderstood the Christian faith,’ said Ruth, appealing to him to examine the work of A Rocha UK and its allies.
Chris Packham had caused a media stir with a ‘Radio Times’ interview about faith and the environment, among other issues. ‘Christianity doesn’t help: we’re made in God’s image so everything is there to be exploited by us,’ said the BBC wildlife presenter.
In her personal blog – ruthvalerio.net – Ruth has invited him to ‘come and see with me first-hand some of the great work being done by Christians around the country to protect and restore the natural world’.
She pointed out that Christians have been among the pioneers of the wildlife conservation movement. ‘The God of the Christian (and Jewish) faith is a God who loves and cares, nurtures and sustains,’ added Ruth.
A Rocha UK is a Christian charity working for the protection and restoration of the natural world. It is part of a worldwide family of A Rocha organisations committed to conservation action.
A Rocha UK’s work has ranged from educating urban schoolchildren about the environment to creating a country park and currently establishing a community garden space in West London.
Good for you to speak out on behalf of Christians who care about our Father’s world! Unfortunately, Chris Packham is not the only naturalist who thinks this way. When I was studying for my Environmental Science degree lots of my lecturers also held the view that Christian missionaries were indirectly responsible for the destruction of forests and nature as when tribal people converted to Christianity they lost their fear of the spirits of the forests, and consequently abandoned living in harmony with the natural world.
Unfortunately even many Christians do not consider creation care a priority, and that the earth’s resources are for their consumption. A Rocha’s stance is a light to the Church.