Christian right Quote by Diarmaid MacCulloch
““Equally important is the effect of Last Days thinking on questions of world environmental damage. If the Last Days are coming, it is a profane distraction to bother with problems of pollution or exhaustion of natural resources, which in any case have been supplied in God’s providence for humans to use. Hence the Christian Right’s long-standing lack of interest in a matter which may bring the Last Days on human civilization, but not in the manner it anticipates.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rise of Christianity: History, Politics, and Power, by Diarmaid MacCulloch, 2009
The quote argues that focusing on apocalyptic expectations diverts attention from environmental stewardship, suggesting that believers may neglect ecological responsibility because they view it as irrelevant to divine providence.
In simple terms: Apocalyptic focus can distract from caring for the environment.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ecological duties regardless of eschatological beliefs.
Themes
environmental ethics
religion
apocalypse
human responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
theological
environmental
When to use this quote
- church policy
- environmental activism
- public discourse
- education
- resource management
Key Concepts
theology
ecology
political ideology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does belief in an imminent end affect everyday ecological choices?
- Can faith be a catalyst for environmental action rather than a distraction?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex motivations behind environmental in and ignore genuine theological arguments for creation care.
![“We cannot fulfill that purpose [environmentalism] if we are heaping contempt on God's creation.” quote by Joe Lieberman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56d/joe-lieberman-9646_contempt_we-cannot-fulfill-that-purpose-environme_788393.jpg)
![“That's what we [outsiders] feel America is really about - the kind of crazed ravings of the Christian right - when it's probably something quite different.” quote by Nick Cave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3ca/nick-cave-1153_america_that-s-what-we-outsiders-feel-america-is_50754.jpg)
