A climate change activist lit himself on fire in front of the Supreme Court. It seemed odd to me at first to protest global warming with a stunt that puts so much extra carbon into the atmosphere, but then I read that the guy was a Buddhist and that helped me understand (a little bit).

Buddhism teaches that God doesn’t exist but don’t let that get you down. Get rid of your expectations and your life will be so great, you won’t even miss Him. Your suffering is caused by your attachments. The secret to perpetual bliss is to quit caring about stuff.

The mythical ‘Climate Crisis’ creates a dilemma for a devout Buddhist. Activism is applauded by his compatriots. He is lauded as a hero for battling against the toxic swarm of human life that covers Mother Earth. But his crusade is an attachment that causes him to suffer. Following Buddhism’s most basic teaching requires a climate activist to let go of activism. So what’s a 50-year old pagan to do?

Well, he could recognize the untenable nature of his theology and do some soul searching. OR – he could grab a seat on the steps of Supreme Court and light himself on fire. Both of those options are viable.

I saw a meme posted in a Humanist group that said, “People are more important than beliefs.” I’m sympathetic toward people who live in an environment filled with this philosophical garbage. Godless folks insist that life can be meaningful apart from faith. It’s no wonder they set themselves on fire.

The most important thing about people are their beliefs.

Your beliefs determine your identity. Your beliefs motivate your actions. Your beliefs make you who you are.

Bad theology is more dangerous than carbon emissions. Faulty thinking kills way more people than global warming. Believing that there is no God will eventually set you on fire.

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”

(Psalm 119:37)