The environmental issue has certainly been at the very top of the American agenda, as the nation seeks ways to preserve and conserve. Land is being protected, trees saved as new ways are sought to produce safe and effective energy for people are recognizing that Earth's natural resources are slowly dwindling. In light of this deeply felt and widespread concern that ever increasing environmental deterioration around the world threatens the very basis of human life, certainly the quality of life, one is forced to ask the churches - of all religious beliefs - "Where have you been on this issue?" And then, probably more importantly, "Where are you going to be, what part are you going to be playing?" In evaluation of different religious beliefs, it is easily apparent that the most religious beliefs are not only aware of the all the ecological concerns but are adamant in fighting to confront the impeding environmental crisis. Both Buddhism and Judaism attack the laxity with which most people approach the environmental crisis and show deep respect for nature and the environment.
Buddhism teaches that each person contains many different "seeds" that represent every possible human emotions or potentiality such as love, anger, sadness, greed or compassion. Which of these seeds ultimately blossoms depends on how the individual's life is lived. There is no doubt that selection is an individual's decision, nor is there any doubt that the decision has impact on the rest of the world. Perhaps most importantly, Buddhism is a questioning process. In his Editor's Introduction to Sivaraksa's Seeds of Peace, Tom Ginsburg sums up the philosophy in words that could easily fit Emerson's "Self-Reliance" or Nature: "Question everything, look deeply, and then act from that insight" . Sivarksa shows that this maxim applies to mankind's responsibility to the environment. The religion of "consumerism" erodes spiritual strength and ultimately is what most damages the environment.
