Janisse Ray and the Unitarian Universalist Church: Environmental Atheism

Janisse Ray, author and environmentalist.

Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. (Genesis 2:15 NKJ)


My first cousin, Janisse Ray, is an environmental activist.  Unfortunately, she is also apparently an atheist.  This past Sunday, according to her status on Facebook, she "preached" at a Unitarian Universalist "church" in Macon, Georgia:

Macon, Georgia tomorrow. I'll be "preaching" at the UU service at 11. Seriously. High Street UU Church. Park at the library across the street. 1180 Washington Avenue, Macon.  (17) Macon, Georgia...

Here is my response in the comments section of her status:

This is why I do not get involved with environmentalist groups. I do not agree with the idolatry of worshipping creation and I certainly do not agree with atheism since atheism is basically a presupposed philosophy/worldview, not a scientific or empirical view. While I admire anyone who wants to take care of God's creation, when that work becomes attached to antichristian philosophy and the exaltation of human beings to the place of God then I must not only not join in but actively oppose such groups.

"You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:3 NKJ)

But He answered and said, "It is written,`Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4 NKJ)

Ironically theological liberalism and atheism both focus on "moralism". The atheist can only spout off tautologies like, "Do what is right because it is right." A = A. The theological liberal says, "Follow Jesus' good example because he was a good man and a good teacher." Even more ironically this is exactly the same teaching of the oneness Pentecostal holiness groups. "Be good for goodness sakes."

The Bible, however, teaches that men are at heart and in the mind sinful, wicked, greedy and corrupt through and through. Why do you think greed and covetousness predominate when a choice is to be made between the care of the environment and financial security/economic progress and success?

There is no one who is good. (Romans 3:10-23). No, not even one. Replacing the worship of God with the idol of creation is as wicked as the idol of economic success over against environmental concerns.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. (Romans 1:18-23 NKJ)

May God grant His grace to those who are yet to believe.

Charlie

Unfortunately, Janisse was raised in the home of a legalistic and Pelagian cult, namely the Oneness Pentecostal heresy.  Is it not ironic that Oneness Pentecostalism's denial of the Triunity of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14) "naturally" leads to atheism and the Unitarian Universalist errors?  Placing Law above Gospel naturally gravitates to empty moralism and atheism.

[For more on Janisse Ray's religious upbringing, click here:  Ecology of a Cracker Childhood:  Janisse Ray's Religious Upbringing].

Natural religion, legalism, and focus on the moral Law of God almost always leads to further rebellion and mere moralism.   Unfortunately, the Bible teaches that moralism is never moral enough.  There is no one who rises to the level of God's perfect holiness.  (Cf. Isaiah 6:1-5; Psalm 14:1-3; Romans 3:10-23).  Unless we look outside ourselves to the objective work of Christ in His sinless life, His meriting salvation for His people, and His penal/substitutionary atonement for the sins of His elect there is no hope of salvation.  Salvation has been accomplished for us precisely because we cannot in our own righteousness satisfy the demands of God's moral law nor can we ever pay the eternal penalty for our sins and rebellion against God.  (Cf. John 19:30).

Since I do not know the future I cannot know who is yet to be called to saving faith.  God knows His own and He will effectually call His elect who are yet to be converted:

"As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (John 10:15-16 NKJ)

"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39  "This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:37-40 NKJ)

And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." (John 6:65 NKJ)

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (Ephesians 1:4-5 NKJ)

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, (Ephesians 1:11 NKJ)

Lord, have mercy on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace to believe that You are able to keep us eternally secure in Your hands,

Charlie

Click here to see Janisse Ray's Facebook status:  (17) Macon, Georgia...

Hear an audio lecture by Cal Beisner on this issue here:  The Roots and Fruits of the Environmental Movement, E. Calvin Beisner, at:  Trinity Foundation Lectures.