wfn.org | Environmental Theologian Predicts Economic Collapse

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16-June-1998 
GA98054 
 
    Environmental Theologian Predicts Economic Collapse 
 
    by Allison Politinsky 
 
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Dr. Richard Austin, author of a series of books on 
environmental ethics and theology, believes the world is headed for 
economic collapse. In his address "Beyond the Bull Market: Catastrophe or 
Repentance," at the Presbyterians for Restoring Creation lunch on Tuesday, 
June 16, Austin shared details of three possible scenarios: 
    1.  Major world-wide economic collapse 
    2.  Major world-wide environmental and economic collapse 
    3.  Repentance and Economic Revolution 
    The first and most likely scenario, he predicted, is the worldwide 
collapse of economic systems because of the increasing disparity between 
rich and poor. Another reason, he said, is that technology allows dollars 
to be moved at high rates of speed on a daily basis. The crisis may happen 
either suddenly like the Great Depression, or gradually over the next 10 to 
20 years. 
    "Systems are in place now [in our government] to delay but not prevent 
the economic collapse," Austin said. "Eventually the government protections 
will be overwhelmed." As markets and economies collapse in other countries 
the rich will move their money to the United States for sake-keeping. This 
will pump up the U.S. economy in the short term. 
    The long term will be very bleak. "There will be a great deal of 
suffering," Austin continued. "There will be a loss of wealth for the rich, 
and a loss of everything for the poor. But, frankly, it may be a better 
alternative for our long-term humanity. The sooner it happens the less deep 
the crisis will become." The collapse may actually revive social and 
political discourse on saving our environment and therefore reshape the 
economy in ways that are earth-friendly. 
    The second scenario Austin predicts, would be worse. Even if the world 
economy stays on course, eventually national trade will accelerate the 
destruction of our ecological system. We are already experiencing symptoms. 
International efforts have slowed the depletion of the Ozone, but fisheries 
are collapsing, coral reefs are disintegrating and the warming trend and El 
Nino weather pattern changes may be out of control. 
    There is hope, however, Austin said, "if we thoroughly redesign our 
consumption and patterns of destruction. We may be able to work in time to 
salvage the earth...but reform is unlikely unless we endure changes in our 
economic system. The pace of production must be slowed. Only this way will 
be able to create a planet of beauty and abundance...The Kingdom of God." 
    We must consume less and waste nothing, he concluded. Changes must 
begin immediately and be completed in 50 years or less to avoid 
catastrophe. "Replace greed with responsibility, love with respect for 
life. We must have a spiritual conversion on a world-wide scale. If I did 
not believe in a God who so loved the world I would not bother to mention 
the possibility of recovery." 
    Dr. Austin was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the 
Presbyterians for Restoring Creation. He is the author of a series of four 
books on environmental theology including "Baptized into Wilderness" and 
"Reclaiming America." He also contributes articles and is an editor of 
Christian Century magazine. 
 
    The Presbyterians for Restoring Creation also gave the first 
Congregational Award to Trinity Presbyterian Church of Harrisonburg, Va. at 
the luncheon. The congregation was recognized for forming "house churches" 
where members meet in each other's homes instead of a separate building. 
Trinity Church's programs focus on recycling, using mugs and china instead 
of disposable dinnerware, using environmental books in the library, and 
taking youth on hikes and cross-country ski trips. 

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