Professor Nelson's Books (1): The New Holy Wars

The New Holy Wars: Economic Religion versus Environmental Religion in Contemporary America

(University Park, PA: Penn State Press, 2010). Winner of the 2010 Grand Prize of the Eric Hoffer Book Award as the best book of the year by an independent publisher and of a silver medal in the category of “Finance, Investment, Economics” of the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards

(the “IPPYs”)

a. Book Description

The present debate raging over global warming exemplifies the clash between two competing public theologies. On one side, environmentalists warn of certain catastrophe if we do not take steps now to reduce the release of greenhouse gases; on the other side, economists are concerned with whether the benefits of actions to prevent higher temperatures will be worth the high costs. Questions of the true and proper relationship of human beings and nature are as old as religion. Today, environmentalists regard human actions to warm the climate as an immoral challenge to the natural order, while economists seek to put all of nature to maximum use for economic growth and other human benefits.
Robert Nelson interprets such contemporary struggles as battles between the competing secularized religions of economics and environmentalism. The outcome will have momentous consequences for us all. This book probes beneath the surface of the two movements rhetoric to uncover their fundamental theological commitments and visions.

b. Amazon Editorial Review

"Robert H. Nelson's new book is engaging [and] provocative...[He] works to uncover and articulate underlying religious themes in American economic and environmental systems of thought...Rich historical analysis is offered to support this notion." 
-Simon Nicholson, Perspectives on Politics

"This book should be of interest to a wide variety of audiences...scholars of religion, economists, environmentalists, and the general public interested in religions. It is highly readable and touches on many relevant and controversial issues in contemporary society."
- Justin Farrell, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion

"In The New Holy Wars this nontheologian proves capable of out-theologizing many theologians...Nelson convincingly argues that economics and environmentalism are two new secular religions that require theological understanding."
- Stephen Healey, The Christian Century

"Forget the ‘culture wars’ and the assault on Christianity.  The real conflict in America is thoroughly secular – between economic and environmental religions -- … says Robert Nelson.  He makes the argument, long known to conservatives, that religion never really goes away.”
-Tobias Lanz, Chronicles 

"Nelson has interesting and provocative things to say to students and to the broader public...we all need to think more about the metaphysical and religious foundations of ideas that seem, on their surface, merely technical."
- Andre Wakefield, Technology and Culture 

Though one might quibble with details here and there, the central contentions of The New Holy Wars are largely convincing. Its central thesis is incontrovertible. It should be required reading for orthodox religious believers so that they may know where the real challenges to their faiths lie. --Gerard Casey, Journal of Faith and the Academy

“Robert H. Nelson, one of the world’s leading natural resource economists, long has argued that the ideologies in economics are secularizations of traditional religion and that this concealment is ill advised. …  He now also brands environmentalism as a secular religion whose roots need examination.”
- Richard Gordon, Cato Journal 

"Nelson has much to say about important belief systems of contemporary society and research agendas of the social sciences. In his view, economics and environmentalism are competing faiths ...Understanding [them]...should help in unpacking the deep conflicts over public policy."
- Randolph Haluza-Delay, Environmental Politics 

"[Nelson] presents...insightful and incisive critiques of the shortcomings of both secular economism and environmentalism...  An excellent explication of the contradictions and inconsistencies of the utopian or eschatological visions presented by these competing religions."
- Jordan J. Ballor, Calvin Theological Journal 

"The New Holy Wars is grounded in questions, observations, and visions of reform that emerged out of policy making. Its theological discussions are peppered with somewhat more practical examinations of contemporary policy challenges...It is ripe for consideration and study."
- Marisa B. Van Saanen, Review of Faith and International Affairs

"[Nelson's] book is an excellent contribution that will help us better understand the intersections between economics, ethics, and theology...The theological approach Nelson adopts is illuminating, and he does a great service by pointing out how much of the materialist and environmentalist gospels are … derived from religion."
- Art Carden, The Freeman 

“A good read...[that] provide[s] stimulating food for thought and insights into the possible ethical and philosophical drivers underlying the economic growth and environmental protection advocacy positions.”
- John Bergstrom, Faith and Economics

"Nelson has offered an exciting argument and revealed an important pattern... Both modern American economists and environmentalists have been engaged for over a century in creating new secular versions of American Christianity by replacing God with science.."
- Dennis C. Williams, Environmental History

c. More Book Review

Please click here to read more book reviews of the New Holy Wars as of January 13th, 2013

d. Related Articles

"Economics and Environmentalism: Belief Systems at Odds," The Independent Review, Volume 17, Number 1, Summer 2012

Professor Nelson's Books (2): Economics As Religion

Economics As Religion: From Samuelson to Chicago and Beyond 
(University Park, PA: Penn State University Press, 2001; paperback 2002)

a. Book Description

In this study, Robert H. Nelson explores the genesis, the prophets, the prophesies, and the tenets of what he sees as a religion of economics that has come into full blossom in latter-day America. Nelson does not see "theology" as a bad word, and his examination of the theology underlying Samuelsonian and Chicagoan economics is not a put-down. It is a way of seeing the rhetoric of fundamental belief - what has been called "vision".

b. Amazon Editorial Review

"Nelson's book is a challenge to economists to see their field anew." 

Eileen Ciesla, American Enterprise

"Economics as Religion is an excellent book. [Its] purpose is to show how the arguments of economists legitimate social and economic arrangements by providing these arrangements with quasi-religious justification. Economists are thus doing theology while for the most part unaware of that fact. It provides a remarkably balanced and comprehensive history of the way that economics developed in the twentieth century. The book will undoubtedly be welcomed by [a] considerable number of theologians. Professional economists will find [it] will broaden their understanding of what economists have been doing in recent decades. Political scientists or philosophers can clarify their understandings of social science and especially economics. And I think it will find a fair number of readers in the general population."

Paul Heyne, University of Washington

[The New] Holy Wars is an essential read for anyone interested in contemporary religion and the relationship between Christianity, economics and environmentalism. Many of the arguments are compelling and often controversial, making this work a primer for rewarding debates.
Sarah Maidman, University of Kent (UK)

An insightful exploration of the powerful role that economic belief plays in our modern society as a secular religion that serves many of the same functions as early Christian and other religions did in their time.The publisher, the Pennsylvania State University Press

c. More Book Review

Please click here to read more book reviews of the Economics As Religion as of January 13th, 2013 

d. Related Articles

"What is 'Economic Theology'", The Princeton Seminary Bulletin, Vol.xxv, No.1, New Series 2004, pp.58-79.

Professor Nelson's Books (3): Reaching for Heaven on Earth

Reaching for Heaven on Earth: The Theological Meaning of Economics
Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield, l99l; paperback 1993

a. Book Description

. . . this is the most profound book on the boundary of theology and economics in the past couple of decades. It has a depth of perspective, a scope of scholarship and a discernment that is rare in this field. Christian Century

b. Amazon Editorial Review

From Library Journal

Theology and economics appear to be unrelated subjects--one based upon faith, the other upon fact. Nelson, however, declares that economics is grounded not in scientific fact, but in a faith in economic progress. Economic theology preaches that the root of all evil is economic scarcity, and that the removal of economic scarcity will create a "heaven on earth." Beginning with a look at Aristotle and Plato, the author moves through economic history to the theories of economists John Maynard Keynes, Paul Anthony Samuelson, and Milton Friedman. In a closing section, he notes that humanity's faith in economic progress has been shaken by events in the 20th century like the development of the atomic bomb. While Nelson's treatment of the subject is well organized and researched, his book's appeal may be limited to those interested in an in-depth study of the history of economic thought. For large religion and economics collections.

Joanna M. Thompson, Bluefield State Coll., W.Va.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

...this is the most profound book on the boundary of theology and economics in the past couple of decades. It has a depth of perspective, a scope of scholarship and a discernment that is rare in this field. (Christian Century )

...well-organized and researched...an in-depth study of the history of economic thought. (Library Journal )

Economists can learn a lot about their 'science' by reading this book, and, at the same time, enjoy the experience. (James M. Buchanan )

This is the sort of thought-provoking book that every member of ACE should read and consider ....I recommend Nelson highly.... (The Bulletin Of The Association Of Christian Economists )

... it squarely confronts the fact that the intelligible value of economic theology-Progress-is itself now in crisis.... (Reason )

Nelson can be commended for attempting such a wide-ranging survey of Western intellectual thought and for challenging readers to evaluate for themselves the place of modern economic analysis in the scheme of intellectual inquiry. Robert A. Black --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

c. Related Article

"Annual Review--"Sustainability, Efficiency and God: Economic Values and the Sustainability Debates.", Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics. Vol.26, pp. 135054 (1995).

Professor Nelson's Books (4): Private Neighborhoods And the Transformation of Local Government

Private Neighborhoods and the Transformation of Local Government

(Washington, D.C.: The Urban Institute Press, 2005)

a. Book Description

In recent years, private neighborhood associations ("community associations") have become an important part of local government. From 1980 to 2000, half the new housing in the United States was built in a development project governed by a neighborhood association. More than 50 million Americans now live in these associations. In Private Neighborhoods and the Transformation of Local Government, Robert Nelson reviews the history of neighborhood associations, explains the reasons for their recent explosive growth, and speculates on their future role in American society. The book examines the political and economic consequences of this basic change in the manner of American governance at the local level. Unlike many previous studies, Nelson takes on the whole a positive view. Neighborhood associations are providing controls over the neighborhood environment desired by the residents, providing high quality common services, and helping to promote a stronger sense of neighborhood community. Yet, significant operating problems are being experienced in many associations. Private Neighborhoods and the Transformation of Local Government proposes a set of new options for improving the future governance of neighborhood associations. This book provides the most comprehensive report to date on the rise of the neighborhood association as a significant new governing institution in American life.

b. Amazon Editorial Review

"...[E]ssential reading for those interested in land use policy and the future of neighborhoods." 

-- Lee Anne Fennell, associate professor of law, University of Illinois College of Law

"...[G]ives an excellent discussion of the economic reasons for private neighborhoods...." 

-- Gordon Tullock, professor of law and economics, George Mason University

"...[T]he finest and most exhaustive discussion yet on one of the most profound institutional innovations in recent years." 

-- Peter Gordon, professor of real estate economics and public policy, University of Southern California

"Bob Nelson is one of the nation's most insightful and provocative authors on local government today." 

-- William A. Fischel, professor of economics and Hale Professor in Arts and Sciences, Dartmouth College

"Robert Nelson has written two powerful books in one." 

-- Robert W. Poole, Jr., founder, Reason Foundation

c. Related Article

"Homeowners Associations in Historical Perspective," Public Administration Review. July/August 2011.

Professor Nelson's Books (5): Zoning and Property Rights

Zoning and Property Rights: An Analysis of the American System of Land Use Regulation
(Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1977; paperback 1980)

a. Book Description

It's a deeply rooted American idea that an individual should be able to join with other persons of similar means and values to establish and maintain a preferred environment. Although not often recognized as such, zoning has major implications for the quality of physical environments, the distribution of income, transportation, housing, local taxation, and racial and class segregation. Zoning thus raises important issues concerning social inequalities and personal property rights.

Robert Nelson contends that in effect zoning has created collective property rights, which are now held by local government. His book analyzes the development of zoning, its aims, fictions surrounding it, and its successes and failures. It examines recent environment land-use regulations, their probable outcomes, and future prospects of the regulatory system. Only by bringing together the disparate elements—the socioeconomic consequences of the changes zoning has wrought on property rights; zoning history, the role of planning; political pressures on zoning administration and law—can one understand the full complexities of the zoning problem.

The author maintains that recent environmental restrictions on land use have led to an undesirable feudal trend. In detail he outlines suggestions for "major surgery." He recommends that private tenure institutions resembling condominium ownership be developed to replace neighborhood zoning. Community zoning should be abolished, and decision-making should be returned to the private sector. Formal public planning organizations and government as a whole should play only a minimal role in determining specific uses of land.

For all professionals in the field—urban economists, political scientists, planners, zoning lawyers, students of urban and environmental affairs—and even general readers who have a particular interest in the topic, Nelson's critique, with its bold advocacy of reconstruction, will provide a valuable stimulus for discussion.

b. Amazon Editorial Review

"Nelson has some very clear ideas about the subject and builds the text around those ideas...The major topics covered concern zoning protection for neighborhood quality; the extension of zoning protection to the community; zoning and public land use; the unhappy consequences of prohibiting sale of zoning rights; zoning evolution in historical perspective; new regulatory protection of regional and state quality; new local growth controls; the basic principles for a new tenure system; and the struggle for high quality environments....

"In essence, Nelson's book proposes to abolish the American system of land use regulation. If you have just returned from a zoning hearing and your brilliant project has been denied by narrow-minded, ignorant, abusive and prejudiced zoning board members, this is the book to read for consolation. At least, there are a few writers who are attacking the various foundations upon which such boards sit."
— AIA Journal

c. Related Article

"A Private Property Right Theory of Zoning.", The Urban Lawyer: The National Quarterly on Local Government Law. Vol.11, No.4. Fall 1979.

Professor Nelson's Books (6): Public Lands and Private Rights

Public Lands and Private Rights: The Failure of Scientific Management

(Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield, hardback and paperback 1995).

a. Book Description

One of the leading experts on public lands and land rights issues, Robert H. Nelson here brings together a collection of his finest essays. Nelson demonstrates that the 'progressive' goal of achieving scientific management of public lands has not been realized; instead, public land management has been dominated by interest group politics and ideology.

b. Amazon Editorial Review

Nelson's book offers more new ideas and challenges to our thinking than any other recent work on the public lands. Anyone interested in the growing debate about public lands needs to read it, and read it soon. I can't think of anyone who has challenged public lands policy in such a thoughtful and intelligent way. (William E. Riebsame )

Professor Nelson provides a powerful yet easy-to-read view of how the dark side of the Progressive Movement--centralization, professionalization, bureaucratization--evolves into the pretensions of 'scientific management' and the hubris of 'ecosystem management' to the detriment of one-third of the nation's land. Here's a useful guide for those who would reform the way we use public lands. (Philip M. Burgess )

Addresses some of the most relevant resource policy debates in the late 1990's. . . . As historical perspective and interpretation, this volume deserves a place on the bookshelves of those interested in western public lands and national forest management. (American Journal Of Agricultural Economics )

Anyone who has struggled to make sense of the history of public lands management in the American West will want to read Robert Nelson's Public Lands and Private Rights. 

(Donald Snow)

Provides an intellectual springboard for anyone looking to rethink, retool, or even dismantle the federal land management system. The proposals outlined in the book could provide ammunition for conservative reformers as they turn to public lands. (The Yale Law Journal )

An informative, interesting, and stimulating analysis of the federal lands of the United States. Whether one accepts or rejects his analysis and his conclusions, no one interested in public land management can afford to ignore this book. (Marion Clawson )

Nelson takes a bold approach in analyzing public lands policy and the failure of scientific management . . . he presents a solid list of policy issues and questions that must be put on the table to ensure that the public lands of this nation are protected and used wisely for future generations. (Journal Of Policy Analysis And Management )

Professor Nelson develops policy reforms that should make Public Lands and Private Rights must-reading for the entire Congress. (Journal Of Economic Literature )

c. Related Article

"Ineffective Laws and Unexpected Consequences: A Brief Review of Public Lands History." Chapter 1 of Public Lands and Private Rights: Failure of Scientific Management. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc. 1995.

Professor Nelson's Books (7): A Burning Issue

A Burning Issue: A Case for Abolishing the U.S. Forest Service 

(Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2000)

a. Book Description

In A Burning Issue, Robert Nelson makes a compelling case for abolishing the U.S. Forest Service. Created in the early 20th century to provide scientific management of the nation's forests, the U.S. Forest Service was, for many years, regarded as a model agency in the federal government. Nelson contends that this reputation is undeserved and the Forest Service's performance today is unacceptable. Not only has scientific management proven impossible in practice, it is also objectionable in principle. Furthermore, Nelson argues that the Forest Service lacks a coherent vision and prefers to sponsor only fashionable environmental solutions—most recently ecosystem management. Creatively and cogently describing its history and failures, Nelson advocates replacing the service with a decentralized system to manage the protection of our national forests. A Burning Issue is a provocative study that offers insightful environmental policy alternatives.

b. Amazon Editorial Review

The recent wildfires in New Mexico and Colorado are a painful illustration of the costs of federal land management. America's National Parks and National Forests are in disarray; millions of acres are just one spark away from complete conflagration. Thus, the latest political economy forum book, Robert Nelson's A Burning Issue: A Case for Abolishing the U.S. Forest Service could not be more timely. For the forest's sake, let's hope that such an approach becomes politically viable before the next fiery maelstrom ignites. 

(Jonathan H. AdlerThe Washington Times )

Robert Nelson has provided an ecclectic and very readable integration of recent commentary on the sad state of federal resource management. He explores the political and ethical terraine of the quest for solutions, encouraging an informed debate about community-based management. 

(Sally K. Fairfax, University of California, Berkeley )

Nelson provides a devastating case against both the Forest Service and against policymakers' glib proposals for how to improve the agency's record. The book is a valuable guide to the defects of public land management. 

(Regulation )

This book should be required reading for all students of government, not only those concerned with foreign service policy, because it provides an excellent source in any attempt to understand the consequences of allowing a governmental agency to become so buffeted by competing pressure groups that it loses direction and becomes an even more costly entity. 

(Ronald N. Johnson, Montana State University Independent Review: A Journal of Political Economy )

Nelson presents a convincing case that the Forest Service should not be allowed to continue performing these jobs as it has in the past. The strength of A Burning Issue is its concise presentation of the diverse philosophical, practical, and scientific problems present in forest management, and this alone should interest readers from a variety of disciplines. 

(Constitutional Political Economy )

In this interesting and well-written book, Robert Nelson has made a compelling case that the Forest Service has lost its legitimacy. With an end of timber harvesting now becoming the main goal of the agency, actions to suppress fire become less relevant and the huge costs of planning appear fruitless. As an organization, Nelson argues, the Forest Service has outlived its reason for existence. 

(Roger A. Sedjo, Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future )

c. Related Articles

"Rethinking Scientific Management: Brand-New Alternatives for a Century-Old Agency." in A Vision for the U.S. Forest Service: Goals for the Next Century. Ed. Roger A. Sedjo. Washington, DC: Resources for the Future. 2000.

Professor Nelson's Books (8): The Making of Federal Coal Policy

The Making of Federal Coal Policy

(Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 1983)

a. Book Description

The Making of Federal Coal Policy provides a unique record of—as well as important future perspectives on—one of the most significant ideological conflicts in national policymaking in the last decade. The management of federally owned coal, almost one-third of the U.S.'s total coal resources, has furnished an arena for the contest between energy development and environmental protection, as well as between the federal government and the states. Robert H. Nelson has written an important historical document and a useful guide for policy analysts.

b. Essay Review

"The Makinig of Federal Coal Policy: Lessons for Public Lands Management From a Failed Program, An Essay and Review", 25 Natural Resources Journal, 349 1985. This is an essay review from Professor A. Dan Tarlock on Professor Nelson's Book "The Making of Federal Coal Policy", Duke University Press. 1983

Professor Nelson's Recent Articles (1): Economics and Environmentalism: Belief Systems at Odds

Economics and environmentalism are both rooted in deeply held values. This paper shows how their core beliefs are often in basic conflict. This difference is found, for example, in their contrasting ways of thinking about the relationship of human beings and nature. For economists, nature is a “natural resource” which should contribute its part as efficiently as possible to the advancement of total production and consumption in society. For environmentalists, nature has an “intrinsic” value that is independent of any practical usefulness to human beings. The belief systems of economics and environmentalism are also appropriately characterized as secular religions. This paper summarizes some basic themes from Robert H. Nelson, The New Holy Wars: Economic Religion versus Environmental Religion in Contemporary America (Penn State University Press, 2010).

Please click here for the whole article in SSRN.

Professor Nelson's Recent Articles (2): Our Languishing Public Lands

Our Languishing Public Lands discusses the disintegration of federally-owned lands in the U.S., focusing on the national forest system. He explores what has led to the Forest Service, or the organization of park rangers who are in charge of the maintenance of the forest, to increase their budget, discussing a study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the costs of livestock grazing on public lands, how a recovery plan for the endangered spotted owl affected timber revenue in the Pacific Northwest, and firefighting efforts by the Forest Service. He then proposes a plan for cutting spending on public lands to reduce government costs.

Please click here to read the whole article on SSRN.

Professor Nelson's Recent Articles (3): Is Max Weber Newly Relevant?: The Protestant-Catholic Divide in Europe Today

The large economic divisions among nations in Europe that have emerged in the wake of the 2008 and 2009 economic downturn have been commonly described as exhibiting a “north/south” character, the countries in the north being more successful in dealing with the recent adverse events. It is equally true that these divisions exhibit a “Protestant/Catholic” character reflecting the historical dominance of Protestantism in the North and Catholicism in the South. This raises a question of whether the leading causal factor is geography or historic religion. This paper argues that it is implausible in economically more advanced countries such as those of Europe that north/south geography would be such a powerful contemporary influence on economic outcomes. European nations that are historically Protestant, however, still show significant cultural differences – such as levels of trust and corruption – from the European nations that are historically Catholic. The paper concludes that the historically dominant religions of European nations are still playing an important role in determining recent economic outcomes in Europe.

Please click here to read the whole article on SSRN.

Professor Nelson's Recent Articles (4): Rethinking Church and State: The Case of Environmental Religion

The government practice of policy analysis is often conceived to be a value-neutral task in which economic and other professional experts respond to well defined analytical tasks as defined by their political superiors. This chapter shows that the real world is more complicated. Government policy analysts often serve in entrepreneurial roles themselves, seeking to generate top-level attention to pressing policy issues as seen by the analyst. It is difficult to separate clearly professional expert and political roles in government. Policy analysts typically incorporate a strong set of “economic values” into their professional work efforts; they frame policy options for government decision makers in light of existing political realities. Robert Nelson explores these themes relating to professional economic ethics, drawing on his personal experiences as a career economist from 1975 to 1993 in the Office of Policy Analysis in the Office of the Secretary of the Interior.

Please click here to read the whole article on SSRN.

Professor Nelson's Recent Articles (5): The Philippine Economic Mystery

The poor economic performance of the Philippines over the long term is a puzzle and an apparent anomaly for the region. The decline in the Philippines' global position from the first part of the 20th century is particularly striking when viewed against the backdrop of rapid income gains in countries of East and Southeast Asia, countries the Philippines used to surpass in terms of physical and human capital. While there have been a number of attempts to explain the puzzle - difficult geography, macroeconomic policy failures, and corruption - none are completely convincing either because there are counterexamples or the factors cited are endogenous and derivative. On the other hand, the long-term economic record of the Philippines is strikingly similar to those of some Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Mexico, and Peru. This paper advances the hypothesis that the political and economic experience in the Philippines stands closer in proximity to those of countries in Latin American than in Southeast Asia, and that this is rooted in their deep similarity of histories and cultures. In particular, the common Spanish and Catholic colonial history may have given rise to cultural attitudes that now stand in the way of freer markets and a more successful political democracy.

Please click here to read the whole article on SSRN.

Does Climate Change Debate Carry Religious Command?

Does Climate Change Debate Carry Religious Command? Dr. Robert Nelson. USA Today February 14, 2013

On Tuesday, President Obama once again brought up climate change in his State of the Union Address, just as he did in his inaugural address last month. This week, he spoke in the cold voice of science, but in that first address the president took a different approach, one in which the seeds of a broader environmental coalition can be found.

On his second inauguration, Obama said the U.S. must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in order to "preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. That's what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared."

Climate activists have argued that science, not God, requires urgent greenhouse gas reductions. Now, as a Slate headline put it, "Obama Brings God Into the Climate Change Fight."

Some environmentalists speculated that Obama might be hoping to reach out to devout Christians — many of them Republicans — in the hope of building a wider consensus.

Role of Christianity

This is a long way from the 1967 declaration of American historian Lynn White, inScience magazine, that Christianity bears primary responsibility for raping the earth. Indeed, Obama's inaugural remarks appear to have been an allusion to the book of Genesis, which tells us that God gave the world to human beings for their sustenance and enjoyment, but requires us to be good stewards of his creation.

The president also might have been acknowledging the fact that among the political problems of our time, climate change could be the most "wicked" of all. Voters are being asked to bear large burdens now in order to create practical benefits that might not be realized until many of them are dead. If the case for climate change is not deeply moral, capable of invoking powerful altruistic motives, it will be politically hopeless.

Many of Obama's environmental supporters admittedly have in mind a different message of the Christian God. If human beings alter the climate radically, they will be "playing God," challenging God's authority over his own creation. In the Old Testament, we learn that those who challenge God's authority will surely be punished, typically with flood, famine, pestilence, drought, earthquake or other environmental calamity.

Today, new prophets tell us that our modern sins will lead to rising seas, stronger hurricanes and longer droughts. If we don't reform our sinful ways, global catastrophe on a biblical scale looms. Billy Graham could hardly have said it better.

Please See the whole text in: http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/02/13/god-and-climate-change-column/1917975/