Simplicity: too little, too late?

Inertia is the tendency for a body in motion to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. It applies equally to people as to problems in physics. Once humans get set in a direction, changing course can be like trying to move an elephant. And the bigger the collection of people, the bigger the elephant.

Increasingly, we hear warnings about the direction of global human society. Experts argue that if we don’t make some major changes to how we live on this planet we could see a worldwide collapse. Climate change, environmental degradation, and human overpopulation loom as key problems.

The simplicity movement has taken this message to heart. It challenges modern habits of greed and over-consumption. It encourages people to live with less impact on the planet by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, buying local foods, and living in smaller, energy-efficient homes. Christians need to take this message to heart. Indeed, Paul said the greedy would never inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

However, the simplicity movement suffers from a major flaw. It fails to reckon with inertia. Human society on a global scale is a mighty big elephant to move. Even if everyone in Canada adopted a simpler lifestyle, the elephant would keep plodding onward.

For example, China and India, with their combined population of 2.4 billion, are industrializing at unprecedented rates, consuming vast amounts of resources and creating daunting environmental problems. In 1993, a mere 220,000 cars were produced in China, while in the first half of 2006, 2.6 million. The simplicity movement may lead to people choosing alternative forms of transportation, but it will do little to change the global situation.

Looking at the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden we find a window into the problem of inertia: humans lack foresight. We don’t do very well at limiting short-term pleasure for long-term security.

I worry that as a global community, we won’t be able to exchange our desire for the newest model or instant fix, for something that might take a bit more time but ultimately be more sustainable. As long as the automobile stays within reach of the average Canadian, most will drive one.

Inertia seems to be carrying us to the brink of destruction, yet we lack the collective will to make the necessary changes. Some individuals may make minor lifestyle adjustments, but I’m afraid it’s too little, too late.

So what should we do? Completely lose heart?

The writer of Ecclesiastes (7:15–18) has these words:

In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness. Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise – why destroy yourself? Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool – why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.

This is interesting counsel for our times. In terms of simple living, we seek to live beyond the power of greed and over-consumption, while remembering the world will never be completely free from sin’s influence. The inertia of evil will always challenge the force of God’s Spirit.

But thankfully, as Christians we can strive towards righteousness while living with the hope that someday good will push on uninhibited.

David Eagle is pastor of Saanich (B.C.) Community Church.