Environmentalism the Satanic Counterfeit of Stewardship

One of the primary tenets of environmentalism is sensationalism to generate fear. From famed ecologist, Kenneth Watt’s prediction in 1970 that by the year 2000, the world would run out of oil; to Al Gore in 2009 claiming that there was a high chance that the polar ice caps would be gone within 5 years; to the oft-repeated claims over the last 100+ years that the population was simply were growing too fast and that a mass starvation event was right around the corner aka “overpopulation.”

All these claims and many others like them serve to do one thing: generate fear. Fear that unless we act immediately, preferably without debate or scrutiny of their models’ data points, it will be too late. Fear is a tool and tactic of Satan and not of God and a dead giveaway of Satanic counterfeits

In complete opposition to ‘fear-based environmentalism’ is the faith-centric approach of stewardship. As President Nelson has taught, “As beneficiaries of the divine Creation, what shall we do? We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations.” Stewardship is about teaching correct principles so that people learn that the earth has been given to use for a purpose and that we will be held to account for what we did with it.

Much like the parable of the talents, we will be held accountable for our stewardship over the environment. We will account to the Lord whether we improved the environment or if we left it worse/the same. Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé clearly taught this in the Oct. 2022 General Conference, “Our role as stewards of earthly creations is not solely about conserving or preserving them. The Lord expects us to work diligently, as moved upon by His Holy Spirit, to grow, enhance, and improve upon the resources He has entrusted to us—not for our benefit only but to bless others.”

As the above quotes demonstrate, the entire premise of stewardship stands in opposition to the fear of environmentalism, stewardship is based on faith, agency, and accountability.

Scarcity vs Plenty

Environmentalism is consistently preaching scarcity. Oil is about to run out. There is not enough food for growing populations, there is not enough time to fix XY or Z problems. The goal of this scarcity mentality is to discourage families and promote fear. Stewardship, on the other hand, is based on the scripture in D&C 104:17 which declares, “For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare;” Faithful stewards don’t sit there looking at the situation and say “There is not enough food” they ask, “How can I increase crop yields, for the Lord has declared there is enough. I am the tool in His hands to bring to pass His promise of plenty.” Faithful stewards don’t act in fear of scarcity, but in faith that the Lord has provided thus far and will continue so long as we obey the commandments of God.

A word of caution: Just as the extreme mentality of scarcity is employed by Satan, so too can the cavalier attitude of reckless abandon due to plenty. I had friends from Utah on Facebook decrying efforts to conserve water during a drought, saying it was not needed or wise. They bragged about how they intentionally used and wasted water. Satan rejoices in Saints who fail in their stewardship to have children for fear of overpopulation as well as Saints who waste resources because they claim “all is well” in the middle of a drought.

Our job is to be wise stewards. To treat what the Lord has given us as sacred gift so as to bring to pass the truth of the Lord’s statement that there is enough for all needs and to spare. In the words of Bishop Waddell of the Presiding Bishopric, “We must continue with all diligence if we are to make the difference that is needed. May the Lord grant us all the faith and perseverance to be wise stewards of our water, our land, and the resources that flow through them.”

Children: The Problem vs the Reason.

Environmentalists lament the ecological horrors that humankind has committed, and many of the things we have done have been horrific, but their ultimate solution is to remove the human element. To environmentalism, humanity stands directly in the way of its goal, to preserve the earth to as close to a pre-human state as possible. People are the problem that needs to be addressed. When presented with a problem, environmentalists promote that the solution is simply to reduce the population or at least minimize its growth. This is achieved by abortion and planned families.

In complete opposition to environmentalism’s loathing of children, stewardship teaches that the entire purpose of the creation was so that the children of God could have a place to come and dwell! God does not command us to be wise stewards so that the earth can win a galactic prize for being well-kept, the entire purpose of the earth and our stewardship over it is to ensure there is a place for the spirit sons and daughters of God to be born!

The hallmarks of a Satanic Counterfeit.

What makes a counterfeit so effective is the amount of truth it holds. We truly are the stewards of this earth and should seek to preserve and protect it. Which is something we as Saints sometimes forget. This was taught by Marion G. Romney who in 1971 declared that “A Latter-day Saint’s purpose should be to comply with civil laws and go far beyond them in eliminating pollution—not only ecological pollution, but also physical, moral, spiritual, and every other type of pollution.” This is a call to do better and to be better stewards of the earth.

Perhaps the fact we really do need to be better stewards explains how Satan has been successful in deceiving so many Saints. When we hear the shared truths they make sense and resonate we know we need to do better. But, then like the nefarious master of deception that he is, Satan then twists the truths of stewardship and inserts the philosophies of men to attack the Plan of Salvation by discouraging families!

Due to environmentalism, we see many young people avoid having children due to concerns about the environment and what the future holds. This might sound like hyperbole, but a recent study found that 40% of Young Adults feared having children due to what they believe is an impending climate crisis (Click HERE for that study). And many turn to abortion when they do have a surprise pregnancy out of fears for the future. Simply put, environmentalism is currently one of the most effective tools Satan currently employs in his war against the family.

Therefore what?

Instead of falling for the satanic counterfeit of environmentalism, let us reject any and all environmentalists who advocate that the root of the problem is families, children, or the population. Let this be a litmus test for politicians, professors, and public policymakers. If they discourage family, they are not of God, and are in fact fighting against Him and His Plan!

Let us seek to create a better world for the next generation. Let us take care of what we’ve been given. And most of all, let us do all these things while keeping in remembrance the why behind, not just our actions, but the very reason the earth was created: so that God’s children would have a place to be born. Children are not the problem, rather they are the motivation for the solution! The Lord can only bless and prosper us as a people if we obey His commandments! And contrary to the environmentalist ideals, as the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have declared, “God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.”

I can’t think of a better closing than to quote Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, “At the end of this mortal existence, the Master will ask us to give an account for our sacred stewardship, including how we have cared for His creations. I pray that we will then hear His loving words whispered to our hearts: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’ In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

If you liked this article, you will love this article about the satanic counterfeits of the United Order (CLICK HERE).