Flickr, woodleywonderworks
Kid and planet
For the first time since we started celebrating Earth Day, it happens to also fall on Good Friday.
That doesn’t necessarily mean anything more than a coincidence of the calendar. But then again, it’s kind of interesting to compare and contrast the two observances.
Flickr, St Mary
Christ and the disciples, arboreal
One is a fairly recent celebration intended to raise awareness of our planet and our place in the ecosystem. The other is an ancient holiday (literally, a holy day) intended to raise awareness of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the promise of spiritual rebirth.
Some will see this as a conflict of two world views, secular vs. religious. Others will find common ground. Here are a few:
The Christian Century — Christians reflect on Earth Day Good Friday Concurrence
Atlanta Journal Constitution — A Providential Convergence
CNN — A Spokane Presbyterian’s Perspective
NewsBusters — Google celebrates Earth, ignores Jesus
Center for American Progress — Faith-based wake-up call on Earth Day