Green Psychology and the Awakening of a New American Conscience

The simple word, “green,” has been used to describe individuals who are ecologically conscious. Another term, “tree-hugger,” has taken on a very derogatory meaning. Vermont, the state just next door to mine, has built a reputation as being environmentally conscious. Some psychologists have begun pioneering a new emphasis in psychology. Some call it ecopsychology while others call it green psychology. In his books, The Voice of the Earth and Ecopsychology, Theodore Roszak has been credited with beginning the movement.

Ecologically friendly psychology attempts to examine the relationship of homo sapiens with their planet. Specifically, ecopsychologists desire to explain why human beings continue to act in ways which deliberately damage the planet. They also desire to find methods and solutions that environmental activists can use to positively motivate human beings to be more responsible. These green psychologists have begun pioneering therapy for those who are burdened by an ecologically destructive past.

Ecopsychologists place a high importance on taking psychotherapy out of the clinic and into nature. A simple walk in the woods or a trip with your psychologist to observe natural habitats is important to the ecopsychologist because it will give a sense of harmony, balance, and stability. Rather than viewing the brain as complicated structure of electric impulses, ecopsychologists suggest that the brain is a simple organ that looks for parsimony within the influences of its surroundings. Essentially, Ecopsychology explores ways in which to make links and bonds with nature. Ecopsychologists assert that, without the influence of nature, human beings are prone tobecoming self-centered, alienated, and increasingly insensitive.

Recently Gap® released a clothing line made of organic cotton. In their press release, Gap decided, “in response to growing customer demand and as part of the company’s commitment to finding innovative, socially responsible ways to make its products,” to become more environmentally conscious. This reflects the awakening of a new type of conscience in America.

We, as Americans, feel increasingly guilty over the way we are addicted to foreign oil, foreign trade, consumerism, and many other things. Our previous actions have had some negative ecological effects and we wish to reverse them. We are also disappointed over our inaction in the Darfur Genocide and our lack of action in other humanitarian crisis such as Rwanda. We are starting to feel the effects of some of our irresponsible activity.

Due to the somewhat recent relegation of morality to the realm of the subjective, the salve offered by leading public figures such as Obama will not soothe our conscience. Under the guise of social action and social justice, many good people are helping others. Food marketers and clothing marketers have begun marketing organic products and people buy them to salve their consciences. Ecopsychologists are doing what they can to help. In the end, we will still drive our SUV’s, purchase products from Asia, and ignore certain humanitarian crisis situations.

However, if morality is subjective, is not social justice subjective? It has to be if you affirm the complete subjectivity of morality. This is why people can do humanitarian aid, fight poverty, ride their bicycles, and purchase only organic products and still endorse and/or participate in the murder of unborn human beings and advance an agenda which shreds the God-given institution of the family. I understand the next statement may be characterized as a slippery slope, but it must be thought out. Euthanasia is not far off. The reasoning will follow as such: “the extermination of those which pose no benefit to society due to age or disability will act for the betterment of society and the individual.”

Romans 1 comes to mind. If we were to but recognize the creator, we would live harmoniously with nature. If we were to but accept gospel, Christ’s love would shine through us towards others. America, blind fools that we are, we must turn to Christ. Every time we as humans attempt to take matters into our own hands, we compound the problems. The gospel is the only salve that will soothe our conscience.

(Lately, I’ve been very busy with various things and have not had as much time to write. Hopefully I can write a little more often.)