Sustainable Me II Counterintuitive Conservatism

This second book in Ben Thomas' Sustainable Me series takes a candid look at the environmentally conscious "conservative." There is a conflict that rages within the conservative heart when it comes to the "green" movement. They really want to be green but it would mean crossing party and ideological lines to do so. It's quite the conundrum! The subtitle of this book is "Counterintuitive Conservatism" but it may as well have been "Schizophrenic Conservatism." Part of the problem for conservatives, Republicans, and evangelical Christians is both as simple as guilt and a penchant for playing with the wrong crowd. The guilt is disobedience to the most basic principles of a Biblical mandate to care for the environment and the wrong crowd is big oil, big farming, and big business. Most of us argue most vehemently when we already know we are wrong and become defensive. We are out of contact with the real environment and become contradictory or antagonistic. This along with complete denial is descriptive of conservative, Christian America. Growing up in the south as a conservative evangelical the author speaks frankly and personally about environmental issues and his strong feelings that most conservatives fail to take any initiative when it comes to protection and preservation of the environment. Issues such as climate change, global warming, our failing biodiversity, energy and toxins are comparatively discussed. Issues are defined and deliberated, solutions and points of view are given and conclusions are drawn. A frank look is taken at the "players" in the environmental game and the views of the world's top four religions are presented with an in depth look at the lack of response of Christians to clear instructions in the Bible to care for God's creation. The book concludes with an expository and often humorous look at his life as an evangelical, conservative environmentalist. From poverty to success, from sustainability to elite disdain and back again Thomas traces the life of a true, though often hindered environmentalist. Just how does a fundamentalist hippie appear and act? Let's just say that liberals are wary and conservative weary with your juxtaposition of politics, religion and environmentalism. You will find insightful information, honest perspectives with no quarter given, and learn of a great heritage of sustainability and counterintuitive conservatism. This volume along with the first book in the series, "Sustainable Me: Tips and Terms for the Environmentally Conscious" will make valuable additions to your home or digital library.