--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The surface causes of environmental…" description: "\"“The surface causes of environmental carelessness among conservative Christians are legion, including subcontracting the evangelical mind out to right-..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed4/brian-d-mclaren-8226_beneath-the-surface_the-surface-causes-of-environmental-care_1113199.png" --- # The surface causes of environmental carelessness among… ![“The surface causes of environmental carelessness among conservative Christians are legion, including subcontracting the evangelical mind out to right-wing politicians and greedy business interests. Too often we put the gospel of Jesus through the strainer of consumerist-capitalism and retain only…” quote by Brian D. McLaren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed4/brian-d-mclaren-8226_beneath-the-surface_the-surface-causes-of-environmental-care_1113199.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed4/brian-d-mclaren-8226_beneath-the-surface_the-surface-causes-of-environmental-care_1113199.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed4/brian-d-mclaren-8226_beneath-the-surface_the-surface-causes-of-environmental-care_1113199.png) > ““The surface causes of environmental carelessness among conservative Christians are legion, including subcontracting the evangelical mind out to right-wing politicians and greedy business interests. Too often we put the gospel of Jesus through the strainer of consumerist-capitalism and retain only the thin broth that this modern-day Caesar lets pass through. We often display a reactionary tendency to be against whatever “liberals” are for. These non-green shoots are resourced by deeper theological roots of environmental disinterest. Fortunately, other root systems are spreading beneath the surface, and signs of an environmental spring are breaking through the formerly barren soil.”” [Brian D. McLaren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-d-mclaren/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Conservative Christians often neglect environmental stewardship due to political and economic influences, but emerging theological shifts are fostering greener attitudes. **In simple terms:** Political and economic forces hinder Christian environmental care, yet new theological ideas promote greener attitudes. Key Takeaway Recognize and support emerging green theology within faith communities. Themes environmental stewardship faith politics theology cultural change Mood hopeful reflective Type inspirational analytical When to use this quote - church programs - faith-based climate activism - educational workshops - policy advocacy Key Concepts Christian environmental ethics political economy theological renewal Questions to Reflect On - How can churches integrate creation care without alienating members? - What theological arguments best support environmental responsibility? A Different Perspective Some believers may view environmentalism as contradictory to traditional doctrine. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Beneath the surface](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beneath-the-surface/) [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Carelessness Conservative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/carelessness-conservative-2976449/) [Causes Environmental](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/causes-environmental-2432932/) [Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity/) [Conservative Christians](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conservative-christians-2976447/) [Environmental Carelessness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/environmental-carelessness-2976448/) [Environmental Disinterest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/environmental-disinterest-2976450/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) ## Related quotes > [We know it (meat eating) is indisputably the number one cause of global warming. 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Their closest reference point is conservative Christians, meaning…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-coulter/the-religion-that-has-transformed-western-civilization-for-two/) [Ann Coulter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-coulter/) > [A desire to rescue secular America from fallen grace has driven conservative evangelicals at least since the 1970s, when Jerry Falwell formed the Moral…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nina-easton/a-desire-to-rescue-secular-america-from-fallen-grace-has-driven/) [Nina Easton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nina-easton/) > [We are true to our name. We're somewhat beneath the surface, and I think well always be to a certain extent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/black-thought/we-are-true-to-our-name-we-re-somewhat-beneath-the-surface-and-i/) [Black Thought](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/black-thought/) > [“So you intend to go through life never loving anyone? Just … things?” “No. I’m looking for something more.” “More than love?” “Yes.” “Is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/renee-ahdieh/so-you-intend-to-go-through-life-never-loving-anyone-just-things-no-i/) [Renee Ahdieh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/renee-ahdieh/) ## More by Brian D. McLaren > [I love writers who are insightful enough to be cynical but choose not to be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-d-mclaren/i-love-writers-who-are-insightful-enough-to-be-cynical-but-choose-not/) [Brian D. McLaren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-d-mclaren/) > [“I have a confession to make.121 Almost every time I tune in to religious radio or TV, I want to change my religion. I”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-d-mclaren/i-have-a-confession-to-make-121-almost-every-time-i-tune-in-to/) [Brian D. 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