Good Idea?

Oil companies think it is a good idea to be able to drill for oil in the Arctic Ocean, now that the ice there is much thinner than ever before. 

It is much thinner because the ice has been melting faster than ever before, on account of climate change. Why is this happening, we might ask!

Some might deny a link between human activity, including burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil, and melting ice. 

Others might also assert that they can do the drilling safely, and that accidents will be manageable. Previous oil spills have been disastrous, whether in the Gulf of Mexico (ask BP), or in Alaska, but the oil companies think they won't repeat those errors. Should we believe them?

Our own MPs believe that the United Nations should establish a ban on oil exploration in the Arctic. They don't believe it is a good idea.

Just because it is possible, doesn't mean it should happen.

Jesus told a story about a man who had a good idea, or so it seemed to him. '

“Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ 

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12.18-21)
Like the rest of us, the oil companies are being dangerously greedy, in wishing to get oil from the Arctic. It is not a good idea.

But neither are our greed-driven aspirations. Learning to live simply and without waste is a new skill that we should invest in. And developing a rich relationship with God - that is a good idea!
Best wishes,

Richard