Environmentalism As Religion
How we discern right and wrong seems to be an inborn instinct, but some of our perceptions seem to be influenced by surrounding people and society. Michael Crichton expresses in his speech that we struggle to determine "which of our perceptions are genuine, and which are false because they are handed down." Crichton believes that the greatest challenge facing mankind is distinguishing fact from fiction and whether the threats we face today are real.
Crichton illustrates his point in the idea of environmentalism. One of his claims is that humans act "sympathetically" towards the environment because it seems to be a constant need now and in the future. Crichton says that we have a past history of not taking care of environment and that even our best efforts go awry.
In our secular society, Crichton says that religion cannot be oppressed. Religion will re-appear in a less traditional sense, and Crichton believes that environmentalism has become one of the most powerful religions in the Western world today. He says that environmentalism is a "21st century remapping of traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs and myths." The world is the "Eden" which humans have destroyed with pollution, which represents falling from grace and eating from the Tree of Knowledge, and, as a result, judgment day is coming.
The audience must accept this religious comparison and believe that today's society is secular and finding comfort in repairing "a paradise, a state of grace ad unity with nature." The audience must also accept that they are "energy sinners" that must seek salvation in sustainability. They must take responsibility to provide the best outcome for humankind and the environment now and in the future.
Crichton claims that environmentalism is a belief that cannot be talked out of people because it is an issue of faith. "Increasingly, it seems facts aren't necessary, because the tents of environmentalism are all about belief." Crichton says it choice...
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