RELIGION AND MINING

Author Unknown in response to The Courier-Journal December 11, 2002 article, "Mining Method Assailed in Letcher".

Under most circumstances, we are of the opinion religion should not play a role in political debate. Recently, however, we’ve learned some religious leaders are railing against mountaintop mining and, as we hear it, invoking the Almighty to bring an end to the mining method.

While these folks are certainly within their right to do so, it made us wonder, should we call for the same help to continue this mining practice, which is, after all, a temporary use of the land? Mountaintop mining employs thousands of people and makes it possible for them to provide for their households, (see 1 Timothy 5:8, below). It also can spur economic development, creating even more jobs in areas where people desperately need work. The reclaimed flat land is and can be used for building factories, schools, recreational and tourist-based businesses, and housing in areas where flat land is a premium and land development costs very high.

We, therefore, even though reluctant to inject them into the debate, enter these scriptural citations for reflection:

“Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; The rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all mankind shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:4-5, (New American Bible)

And, as to the use of creation for man’s purposes:

“Then God said: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all wild animals and all creatures that crawl on the ground.’ ” Genesis 1:26, (New American Bible)

And,

“God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all living things that move on the earth.’

“God also said ‘See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has a seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food…’ ” Genesis 1: 28-29, (New American Bible)


“Now if anyone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially for his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy5:8, ( Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Mankind was given these things with the expectation that he would use them as assets, to make his way in the world and provide for his household. Now, we don’t advocate taking this dominion role so far as to be abusive. After all, mankind should play the role of caretaker. But, mining the earth to use its assets is honorable and not incompatible with good stewardship of the land. The products of mining make our existence more comfortable, and a more productive, humane, and reflective life possible. After all, it’s hard to think on higher things when you’re scrambling during most of your waking hours just to feed and clothe you and your family, and heat your dwelling!