1990 ICS Niagara Conference
Workshop: “The Bible’s Holistic Life-Affirming Vision“
By Rev. Jake Binnema

Perspective Report by Diane Klein

In his presentation, Rev. Jake Binnema developed an interesting contrast. The free enterprise ethic of Adam Smith, he said, simplified as “look after yourself, and the rest of society will prosper accordingly,” forms a striking counterpoint to the kingdom ethic.

Binnema described this kingdom approach to the environmental crisis as a radical behaviour model in which we are prepared to give ourselves in a “follow Christ to the cross ethic.” Our lives, he said, must demonstrate a consistent desire to invest in God’s kingdom — future generations, creation, the poor — even at the cost of our own personal “kingdoms”. His examples prompted a rather lively discussion on the “goodness”, the “value”, even the hottest topic of all: the “hierarchy” of creation.

And the huge willow under which we sat provided not just shade, but also a handy nature reference for our deliberations.