Our friends at Avaaz.org have got something on the go for President Obama's impending trip to Canada:
With George Bush out of office, Stephen Harper has lost his biggest ally in avoiding action on climate change. When Barack Obama visits Canada on Thursday, Harper will desperately try to push Obama to accept parts of his do-nothing climate plan. We need to make it clear to the American President that Canada's citizens do not support their Prime Minister on this issue, and support Obama to take a firm position in telling Mr. Harper that the bad old days are over, and its time for both the US and Canada to act responsibly.
The media will be eagerly following Obama's first international visit, so we're publishing a big ad in the Washington Post on Wednesday (see right) to attract attention, clearly telling President Obama and the US media where Canadians stand. The ad will also be delivered directly to Obama's climate advisor. We have just 36 hours to raise enough funds to place the ad. Since this is a message from Canadians, the more of us who donate and endorse it, the stronger its message will be. Click below to join in:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/canucks_to_obama/98.php/?CLICK_TF_TRACK
They've got my $25. Chip in now and tell your friends!
Don't get me wrong, I think it's great to be concerned about issues pertaining to the habitat we live in. But... it also saddens me that a lot of people are more concerned about saving a planet that will eventually cease to exist than they are about saving people's souls that will live forever. I'm not saying you are one of those people, but... man, climate change at a time like this? If people only realized how little time there is left, I think they'd stop fretting over climate change and global warming. Really.
Again, I'm not accusing you of being one such person.
Just an opinion. Nothing more.
Posted by: Michelle | February 16, 2009 at 06:17 PM
That's OK Michelle, All opinions are welcome. Accuse away... I might very well be one of those people.
That's tongue-in-cheek, but only a little. Let's say that my idea of what "saving souls" means has changed dramatically over the years.
Dramatically.
Right off the bat, I think you and I have some significant differences in theology. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just different. For starters, I no longer think that we're going anywhere; I think Heaven is coming here. So the idea of "time left" doesn't work for me anymore in the way that I'm coming to understand the Gospel. And if that's true, then what we're doing to God's Creation (as opposed to our habitat) is of vital concern. In other words I don't believe this planet will cease to exist. I believe we will ultimately "return to the Garden" (metaphorically) and to communion with God. I just think it will happen here.
I appreciate your comment though, and the way it was expressed. I've found that disagreements of this nature are often heated!
Posted by: Mike | February 16, 2009 at 06:28 PM
They got my $25.
Posted by: robert | February 16, 2009 at 06:28 PM
I think Obama will have maybe a smile for Harper and that's all, he has some opinion and our prime minister can hardly influence it. USA are very important for us, but we are not so important for the USA (I mean when talking about economy).
Anyway, good luck!
Jay
Posted by: vancouver real estate agent | February 17, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Mike, I sincerely appreciate your reply. And I honestly still don't accuse you of being that sort of person -- or really any kind of person, since I don't know you. And even if I did know you, I would never judge you. I would, however, love to have a civil, diplomatic conversation on what you just said. Not because I think I'm right -- but because I truly desire to know why people like you possess the views they possess. Is that alright?
First off, why do you think Heaven and God are coming here (to earth)?
And second, what do you base your beliefs on? The Bible? Research, opinions, other forms of literature?
I'm just curious and I very much appreciate your time. If you don't wish to respond, I understand completely.
God bless you,
Michelle
http://handsfrozentothesword.com
Posted by: Michelle | February 17, 2009 at 03:26 PM
Hey Michelle - I'm happy to answer. I think your two questions are really one. I'll answer the second one first by taking E) All of the above.
First of all, I think the Bible is not completely clear on the issue. That's part of the beauty of the Gospel - the mystery. We're not supposed to know everything. (Jesus spent a lot more time talking about life before death than life after it.) And if that's the case, we're left with the teachings of Jesus, and it looks like he was trying to teach us to love one another. He also taught us to pray "Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." I've come to believe that we are to help bring about the answers to our prayers; to not do so is the greatest heresy.
I believe that Jesus is preparing us for communion with God, for the return to the Garden (metaphorically.)
Posted by: Mike | February 17, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Hey Mike,
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions. I very much appreciate it.
If you're interested in finding out more about Heaven/Earth from a Biblical standpoint, I recommend checking out Revelation 21:1.
Oh... and speaking of that verse you mentioned ("Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven")... I know of a truly great book that talks about exactly that, that I think you might very much enjoy. It's called WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH by Bill Johnson.
I pray God's blessings on you. Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions. I might stop by to periodically ask more questions if that's alright.
Michelle
http://handsfrozentothesword.com
Posted by: Michelle | February 19, 2009 at 10:16 PM