One of the reasons I question the modern Christian church is the way some leaders enrich themselves while disconnecting from the daily realities of work and stewardship. Scripture offers a different example: the Apostle Paul was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3), and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was a carpenter (Mark 6:3). Both had real jobs. They understood work, provision, and God’s design for wealth.
When church leaders live without this grounding, they risk drifting into political agendas or social crusades that mislead millions, all while speaking as though they represent God.
The Vatican’s Climate Resilience Initiative
In 2022, the Vatican—through the Pontifical Academy of Sciences—launched an initiative on climate resilience. Their official statement reads:
“The Climate Crisis is upon us. It will get worse over the next few decades as planetary heating shoots past 1.5C by early 2030s. … Climate resilience must be built on three pillars: mitigation, adaptation, and societal transformation.”
Notice what’s missing: the name of God or Jesus Christ. Instead, the Church is using its platform to endorse scientific and political strategies such as carbon mitigation, adaptation measures, and societal restructuring. You can read their summary here: From Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience Summit Series.
Why This Is a Problem
Christians know that outcomes belong to God. Our role is to remain faithful, not to centralize power through institutions that claim to control the future. When church leaders take a firm scientific-political stance, they risk putting science above Scripture.
The Vatican’s prediction that heating will surpass 1.5°C by the 2030s echoes failed prophecies of the past—like the Seventh-day Adventists’ early date-setting of Christ’s return. Yet Jesus Himself said:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” — Matthew 24:36
If not even the Son knew the appointed time of God’s judgment, why should the Church presume to speak with certainty about climate outcomes?
Centralization and Control
This drift into political activism reflects a deeper problem: centralization in Christianity. Historically, when people lacked Bibles and could not read, hierarchical churches could monopolize spiritual authority. But in today’s world, where Scripture is widely available and debate is constant, believers are questioning that model.
This is part of why, for example, millions of Catholics in Brazil are leaving for Evangelical congregations. These churches often emphasize engaging worship, practical community service, and direct access to God’s Word—without requiring allegiance to centralized authority.
The Catholic Church risks falling into the same pattern as Islam, where many adherents never read or understand their holy text. When authority rests more on ritual and hierarchy than on the inspired Word of God, people eventually push back.
God Is Not Limited by Science
As Christians, we affirm that God created science but is not bound by it. If He desires, He can send a flood, bring drought, or change the climate instantly. Our God is sovereign, and His plans are not contingent on human policy frameworks.
That doesn’t mean believers should ignore stewardship. Scripture teaches us to care for creation. But stewardship is different from fear-driven centralization. God doesn’t coerce—He calls us to volunteer our lives to Him. Any church that ties salvation or obedience to political or scientific consensus risks confusing the flock.
A Call for Accountability
It is acceptable for individuals within the Catholic faith—or any faith—to hold personal convictions about climate change. But when a global church body takes official stances that elevate science and politics over the Gospel, the Church ceases to lead people to Christ and instead shares authority with unbelievers.
The mission of the Church is not to predict weather patterns or manage economies. Its mission is to preach the inspired Word of God. By promoting climate science as doctrine, the Vatican risks losing its spiritual credibility and distracting from Christ’s central message: salvation through His blood.
Conclusion
We serve a mighty God who is not constrained by predictions or agendas. While the Vatican’s climate initiative may be politically popular, it risks undermining the Church’s credibility and distracting from its true mission.
As Christians, we must remember that our God is love, not fear; our God is Creator, not a follower of science. He does not force us but calls us to serve Him freely.
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today. Political movements will fade, predictions will fail, and institutions will crumble—but Christ will never fail.