From ancient byways to modern highways, glimpses of faith are everywhere...

Friday, July 12, 2013

Amish concern: Will fracking fracture the soul?

Fracking in Progress (Joshua Doubek)
When Jesus was tempted by the treasures of this world, he adamantly refused them.  Amish families that own land ripe for fracking are now grappling with some similar temptations.

Whereas many are concerned with fracking's effects on the soil, these families are focused upon fracking's effects on the soul.  In an article for MSN Money, Julie Carr Smyth and Kevin Begos discuss this dilemma.

Carr-Smyth and Begos point out that the "stakes can be huge."  Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is capable of creating oil and gas wells so big that they "can generate hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars in royalties for a property holder."

The issue for most Amish is not primarily an ecological one.  Jerry Schlabach, an Amish Ohio resident, explained:  "… the world was created for the benefit of man.  And nature, as we see it, is made to be used as long as it's kept in proper perspective."

Nevertheless, Schlabach worries about the BIG picture.  He stated:  Amish are no different than anybody else.  The power of big money can bring spiritual corruption.

Still, Schlabach sees some silver linings in the mix.  If the wealth is used to help others, then things might work out well.  He philosophically adds:  Life doesn't consist of your possessions.  Possessions are nothing, and it is what you do for other people that lasts.

Resources
http://money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=AP&date=20130709&id=16681043&ocid=ansmony11

Copyright July 12, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved



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