The Gift of Grace is a material to be used at all levels of the Church of Sweden and was produced by the Environmental Committee of the Church of Sweden. It is written for a process of education and reflection. Hopefully this will result in a more sustainable lifestyle.
The Christian Council of Sweden has made this translation of a few of the chapters, to be used as a starting point for discussion at the conference “Towards a Sustainable Lifestyle“, to be held in Stockholm sin May 14-16, 1998.
The material is bound by copyright. Copyright: The authors (Stefan Edman, Dan Melander, Anders Schönbeck) and The Environmental Committee of Church of Sweden 1998. The translation was made by Maria E. Vernersson _______________________________________________________________
With its basis in Christian faith, the Gift of Grace is an educational tool for all aspects and levels of church life, including the physical running of church property.
In connection to the Rio summit the World Council of Churches gathered Protestants, Roman Catholics, Orthodox and Anglicans -- Christians from 54 countries -- to a conference on the theme Seeking a New Heaven and a New Earth..
From this conference the World Council of Churches sent a letter to its member churches regarding the role of the churches in issues of environment and sustainable development. This is a short summary of what was written:
Dear Sisters and Brothers, we write in a sense of urgency. The Earth is in peril. Our only home is in plain jeopardy. We are at the precipice of self-destruction. You understand why our hearts are heavy and why it is extremely urgent that we as churches make strong and permanent spiritual, moral and material commitments to emergence of new models of society, based in deepest gratitude to God for the gift of life and in respect for the whole of God’s creation. We plead for forgiveness and pray for a profound change of heart, a radical turning from the road of death to God and the way of life. For remember, dear sisters and brothers, that we are the body of Christ and members of the cosmic temple of God.
Our lifestyle, particularly in the rich part of the world, is unsustainable. If everybody were to live like us, this earth would not suffice. It would take several planets. Therefore there is work in progress at state and local government levels as well as within companies and organisations with an aim to make Sweden ecologically sustainable according to the approach described in the UN document Agenda 21.
When more and more references are being made to "factor 10", that implies that different parts of society have realised the necessity to bring down consumption of energy and natural resources to somewhere in the region of one tenth of today's level, in order to adhere closer to the basic conditions set by nature and creation. To achieve this, there is a need for a lot of new technology in combination with common sense.
It is to be hoped that also churches worldwide, nationally and locally, will respond to this UN appeal. Among the churches in Europe there is a budding grass root reformation of constructive and visionary work towards conversion. This was for example reflected at the great ecumenical church conference in Graz in Austria in the summer of 1997. There were discussed the Agenda 21 issues of environment and sustainable development, poverty eradication, justice, public health, the influence of children and young people et cetera. To some of these ends concrete collaboration has been started between churches in the Baltic region and also in Europe as a whole.
The churches now have an important mission to bear witness, in words and deeds, to a holistic view which unites spirituality, environment and justice.
Many churches have already ventured into comprehensive and long term conversion work. Based on Christian faith, this work is undertaken in a way which allows everybody to participate and to grow with the task.
In this work we should be guided by inspired reflection on the teachings of the Bible on the relationship between man, the Creator and creation. Otherwise we run the risk of creating impressive facades which will not sustain spiritually and practically.
May knowledge, reflection and dialogue be the foundation.
We travel along with 20 million other species in God's fantastic web of creation. Insects, molluscs, fish, mammals, birds, herbs, trees...
The others were aboard long before we were. Biologically speaking, they don't need us. As humans, on the other hand, we would not survive a second without many of them. They make the oxygen we breathe and the soil where we cultivate our food. They clean the waters of the planet and regulate the climate.
Our bodies do not begin and end with the skin, but are kept alive by the help of green algae thousands of kilometres out at sea -- and by the ecological cycle, bacteria beneath the soles of our feet. We can't take a single step without the photosynthesis in the green leaves, the heart can't beat a single beat without the work of the worm.
All our thoughts, however sad they may be, are sun thoughts, because the nerve cells of our brains are operated by energy which literally has been inside the sun.
Everything is connected to everything. Who is not filled with wonder and awe at this beauty and wisdom? But it can also inspire fright. It would take another ten planets like ours if all the people of the world were to live at the same material level as the average Swede or the average American. Today's development is unfeasible, it has to change.
We can change. And start with ourselves. Our homes, our congregation, our own town or village.
This is humanity's greatest challenge. And we have God on our side. He,
who is the Lord of love and creation.
We should work with environment issues at church... ... because everybody else does. ... because the members of the church demand that we are environmentally aware. ... because the leadership of the church demands it. ... because the authorities demand it. .... in order to avoid bad publicity. ... because we have to set a good example. ... in order to create confidence in our activities among staff, church gores and the general public. ... to make the staff feel that the church is a good place to work at. ... because the Rio summit in 1992 demanded it. ... to make our activities more profitable. ... out of solidarity with the third world. ... because it is a nondisputable part of church teachings. ....
B. Discuss what you have ticked in groups of three or four.
C. Try to reach consensus in the small group on how to end the following sentence:
We will work actively to MILJÖANPASSA our activities and administration because... (three motives)
1. ..........
2. .........
3. .........
D. Share your thoughts and summarise in the whole group.
By studying our use of goods, materials, energy, land, water and services we can determine to what extent we adhere to the above prerequisites for sustainable development.
These prerequisites were defined by Det Naturliga Steget (The Natural Step) in collaboration with a group of scientists.
A. What do the concepts photosynthesis and decomposition mean to you in your everyday life?
Photosynthesis............................................................
Decomposition............................................................
B. Compare with the person sitting next to you
Since this attitude has formed our society, we find ourselves daily in situations where we act contrary to nature's life conditions.
A. Conclude the following sentences:
In my everyday life I "clash with nature"
by....................................................................
In our society we keep on spreading environmentally disruptive substances
because...........................................................................................................
Explain your sentences in a smaller group.
God saw that what he had made was good -- that is to say that all creation and all creatures have intrinsic value.
A. Take some time to think about your own most important experiences of nature.
B. Share your thoughts first in small groups, then in the whole group.
At some points in history, this text from Genesis has been interpreted as giving humans the right to supremacy over the rest of creation. But to "have dominion" in the Bible means to tend and cherish.
C. Discuss in small groups and then in the whole group: How have human beings managed in their task to have dominion over the rest of creation?
Adam and Eve represent humanity breaking away from the meaning of life and
creation. This damage is apparent in for example greed, egotism, lust for
power as well as in global pollution, injustice and violence. Jesus Christ
in the gospels is the new human who heals the damage. In the Communion we
partake of the grace and rehabilitation which restores the original
meaning of life and society.
D. Discuss in small groups and then in the whole group:
What has "gone wrong" between God and humanity when it comes to the relationship with nature and creation?
Life can be transformed into a façade, an empty show. From this perspective, environmental issues and issues of justice are ultimately spiritual issues in this time in history.
As there are system prerequisites for sustainable development at a larger scale, there are system prerequisites for the good life, which could be drafted thus:
Life prerequisites and gifts of grace
1. Do not tap your soul and your body at a higher pace than you can replenish it with power and energy from the sources of life, spiritually as well as physically. Get grounded! Listen inwards and make it a habit to let yourself be carried by the mild force which creates and sustains all life, your own body, and gives your life its deepest meaning. Perhaps you will sense that it is that very force which also carries you through the hardest times of life.
2. Don't create life conditions that are harmful to yourself and others. Receive daily the liberation of the gospel from life patterns which are meaningless or destructive to yourself, others and life, and let this immerse also your working life.
3. Take care of your body and your soul by loving others and yourself. The divine and life-giving comes to meet you in the deeply personal; in relationship, in affinity and in confidence.
4. Don't waste your life, capture the day. Consider the lilies of the field and look at the birds of the air...
A. Discuss further , on the basis of these four points, the role of the church in society,
Perhaps this challenge is the greatest task of humanity for the century to come. It demands contributions from all levels of society, from individuals, households, companies, politicians and scientists.
The Church and her people could and should play a part as a spearhead, in guiding, encouraging and creating a new life style. But how will we manage? Where do we find insight, power and courage? Where do we find hope?
A Christian catechism and plan of action for sustainable development could be based on five keywords: Wonder, Understanding, Reconciliation, Change and Hope.
Society around us, our entire existence is in constant change; it is difficult to keep up and it is easy to resort to frustration and worry.
In the midst of this "turbulence" we actively have to bring about the good Change which this resource material is about. A sustainable society where natural resources are economised and people can live their lives to the full without endangering the survival and well-being of the rest of creation.
With new technology and a new life style this is feasible within a generation, perhaps even faster.
But in order to make that happen we all have to undergo a mental change of paradigm, which makes us Understand how things are inter-connected. Understand, not only with our brains but with our hearts, in feeling and compassion.
When our whole being is engaged in this way, we can reach an understanding that the challenge of a sustainable world in the deepest sense has to do with humanity having to Reconcile with the whole of creation. To use without abuse. To tend and revere life and planet Earth which was given to us as a loan by the Creator.
This thinking is right at the heart of Christianity. We are requested to ask forgiveness to nature itself for the exploitation and pollution we have caused land, air, water and our fellow-creatures.
Not just to ask forgiveness but to receive God's absolution and convert to an entire new way of life as individuals and social beings. That is what God wants. And he gives us strength for renewal.
The inner meaning of human life -- according to Christian thinking -- is to reflect God's love, care and solidarity in the world. To become more and more like God -- and thereby to become more truly human, according to the original plan, which Jesus expresses in his compassionate and loving life.
But all of this has to start in fresh and childish Wonder! Wonder at our amazing little planet, the unique "drop of water" in the solar system. At DNA molecules and sensory organs. At the multifold biological diversity in oceans and forests. At the universe of mind, our brains with as many nerve cells as there are stars in the Milky Way.
Here, in fascination and in lust for life, the power to change comes to meet us! The joy brought by the blackbird a spring morning, by flowery meadows in the summer and the red leaves of autumn. The reverence to the wisdom of creation, the experience of the world as sacrament, a holy gift to cherish in love.
There are quite a few things in creation which we don't understand: suffering, natural disasters, destruction. Still, wonder and fascination grow within us when we go for a walk in the forest or read about the latest scientific findings. When we meditate on Biblical texts (try Psalms 8, 19 and 104) and poetry or when we listen to music.
We need all this, every day. Lust for life. Will to love. Power to change.
Wonder is the beginning and the end. It awakens our curiosity to understand and the insight into the deeper dimensions of environmental work for Change: Reconciliation.
Hope is our companion which matures with every step we take in the daily work for change. Our time is undernourished when it comes to confidence and trust. Hope is in short supply. We can and must change that. To bring about active confidence, built upon devotion and partnership -- could there be a worthier task?
Take time to listen to the source which springs in all life. Perhaps you can sense the holiness in the unity of humans, animals and nature in its entirety.
In your body there is the diversity of the universe and in your mind can be heard the whispered conversation of angels. Everything rests in what we call God.
Take time to write your own thoughts:
.................................................................................
Throughout the history of humanity, well into our own century, we have had no option but to use water as it naturally appears in our close environment. For direct consumption, for cooking and for a multitude of other needs. Such a dependency on nature automatically means protection of our environment, since supply would be jeopardised if water sources were polluted.
Today water is provided by local water works, where usually surface water from a particularly chosen and protected lake is "purified" by the help of a number of chemicals. Chlorine in one form or the other is for example added by rule, so that the water we get from our taps at home is free of bacteria.
Nowadays there are few people who voluntarily would drink straight
from lakes and rivers. It is too polluted. The rest of nature, though,
still has no other option.
* Reflect on this change from natural protection of our close
environment, to a situation where we don't seem to need a clean and
functioning natural habitat.
A. What does this changed relationship to water mean to us and our
generation and what effect will it have on our children and other living
beings?
What can we do? Write some thoughts.
.....................................................
B. Circle the number which best matches your opinion about the following statement:
All natural water sources should be potable without preceding purification.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 Do not agree
C. Discuss in small groups. Share your thoughts in the whole group.
Symbols of life-giving water as well as of salvation and liberation
from injustice and devastation are united in the baptism. When Jesus is
baptised by John, heaven opens up and the Holy Spirit descends as over the
water of creation.
* Talk in small groups about the role of water according to the Bible.
3. Messing with water All the water we use apart from for irrigation ends up as sewage. It can be subdivided into toilet sewage, general household sewage and industrial sewage.
Every Swede issues almost 500 litres of sewage per day, half of which stems from households. That adds up to 14 000 cubic meters of sewage in a lifetime. But out of these, only 60 cubic meters have passed through the body. The rest stems from more or less acquired needs for water.
Most of the water is used to dilute or to transport different substances.
Some of what ends up in the sewage system are essential utilities: nitrogen and phosphorous in urine, for example. They have to be brought back to the fields and become new food if there is to be a ecological cycle.
But most of what ends up as sewage are substances which are not life promoting or which even are toxicants. These we use daily because they are good for diluting for example dirt or grease or because they are good for killing microbiotic life (disinfectants, pesticides).
At the end of the sewage pipe there is normally a sewage treatment works, the purpose of which is to "manufacture" clean water by extracting all other substances.
Of course no sewage treatment works is up to that. Some substances, however, they are good at. Phosphorous, for example. Phosphorous and other substances which are extracted at the works and don't flush straight out into the environment, become sludge. The better the works functions, the more phosphorous there is in the sludge, but there is also more of the other, harmful substances. Other important nutrients, like nitrogen and potassium, are not accumulated in the sludge, but goes through the works into the environment.
Therefore not many experts today think that sludge can ever be a good fertiliser. Instead there is the idea of making toilets, where the nutrients never are mixed with sewage water.
With such a solution the nutrients can be designated to where they belong and the hazardous substances could be designated to the sludge.
A. How do we use water in the church?
List all day-to-day usage of water:
.................................................
B. Mark sewage which contains toxicants (t) and sewage which contains a lot of nutrients (n).
Also mark usage which you think could be changed so that water is saved (s)
C. Discuss and try to agree on suitable measures to make it feasible to:
D. Share your thoughts in the whole group.
Thinking about the cycle of water is fascinating. All living creatures are part of this "water wheel". Drink some coffee, brewed with water from the little lake outside town. Within a couple of minutes, the molecules from the lake is in your blood, in the saliva on your tongue, in your tears and in your cell liquid.
One year ago, this water from the lake was perhaps in the Atlantic, ten years ago it might have been in the eye of an anaconda in South America. Dinosaurs have carried in their kidneys the molecules which are now in your ear and which make it possible for you to hear.
There is no liquid with such "life friendly" properties as water. It dilutes, dissolves and transports, it is transformed into oxygen and ozone, it regulates the climate of the planet...
You and I are lagoons of the Ocean. Age old sea water is daily flushed through our body tissue. In these drops of water thousands of chemical processes take place, processes that keep us alive at this very moment.
What is the origin of water? The present scientific theory is that it comes from a comet which collided with our planet billions of years ago. The ice of this planet melted and have along various routes ended up in your cup of coffee and in your body...
It is a source of wonder. As it is a source of grief, anger and shame to see what humanity does to our planet "the Sea".
The golden rule of the Sermon on the Mount is an ethical watermark:
What we do to the water, we do to ourselves. The good we want water to
give us, we also have to reciprocate in a careful and humble use of lakes,
seas and rivers.
Karin Lexén, Programme Officer Ecology
Christian Council of Sweden, Box 1674 11187 Stockholm
E-mail k.lexen@ekuc.se
Phone +46-8-453 68 23
Fax +46-8-453 68 29
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