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| 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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