The Tragedy of Tar Sands

Site of Tar Sands extraction -- Alberta, Canada

"For the fate of humans and the fate of animals is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and humans have no advantage over the animals; for all is vanity." -- Ecclesiastes 3:19

Here are some of the creatures who once called this Boreal forest home:

White-tail Deer, Moose, Elk, Mule Deer, Red Foxes, Woodland Caribou, Grey Wolfs, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Cougars, Canada Lynxes, Bobcats, Great Horned Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, Goshawks, Boreal Chickadees, Diamond-back Rattlesnakes, Leopard Frogs, Ravens, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Snowshoe Hares, White-tailed Jack Rabbits, Pronghorn Antelope, Wolverines, Pine Martins, Black-Footed Ferrets, Burrowing Owls, Squirrels, Woodland Bison, Canada Geese, Whooping Cranes, etc.

According to the Church Father Augustine (as summarized here by theologian Paul Santmire), when reflecting on why God created the Universe, he found that, “the most fundamental telos (or purpose) of the whole creation is beauty, and the glorification of the God who wills such a magnificent community of being, every part of which has its own divinely validated integrity.” 

Thus, by living and thriving, each species in its own unique way, brings praise and glory to God! If we accept this classic, Christian perspective, then it follows that anything interfering with a species’ or creature's ability to live and thrive goes against God’s intended will and blessing for that creature (as found in Gen. 1:20-25). 

Given the dramatic telling of this before/after shot, what more do we need to know?