At our house we recently enjoyed the History Channel’s mini-series entitled “Sons of Liberty.”  What a collection of courageous, selfless men and women who stood up for their rights against the seemingly invincible British Empire!  The series highlights Sam Adams as an independent-minded leader who wouldn’t settle for less than human dignity - a true American patriot.  Without the characteristics of folks like Sam Adams who knows if our great democracy would have ever taken root.  In that time and place his particular qualities were just what true patriots needed to fashion a viable future.

        But the world in 1776 was very different from the one we live in today.  Global population was less than 1 billion, and the American wilderness beckoned.  Today over 7 billion people draw resources from a finite, shrinking planet.  In today’s world perhaps a different set of qualities characterizes true American patriots. 

       Prof. Sallie McFague thinks so; she’s Professor of Theology Emerita at Vanderbilt University. McFague identifies Sam Adams and others as exemplifying qualities she calls the Individualistic Model.  In this model the rights and desires of each individual are foremost.   But in today’s world Prof. McFague suggests that something different, an Ecological Model, best characterizes true patriots striving to fashion a livable future.

       The Ecological Model contrasts markedly to that which served Sam Adams so well.  It acknowledges that humans do not control nature, but rely on it completely.  In it, we partner with nature for every breath and bit of food instead of trying to dominate it.   This model has 3 basic “house rules” including:
1. Take only your share.
2. Clean up after yourself.
3. Keep the house in good repair for future occupants.

            The Ecological Model doesn’t belittle the importance of the rights and desires of individuals.  It just asks us to stick to the house rules.  And that’s hard to do with our consumption-driven economy constantly urging us to buy, buy, buy.  But it’s certainly less threatening to life and limb than taking on the mighty British Empire!

            So let’s honor the sacrifices of Sam, George, Paul, Ben and the others by maintaining a healthy nation and viable future where the pursuit of happiness is within everyone’s grasp.  The Ecological Model may just be the road map that can get us there…because the only home we’ll ever know is right here.   After all, we’re forever…Earthbound.

         Four hundred squirrely, nervous, hormone-tinged middle schoolers toeing the line awaiting a shot from the starter’s gun.  One would expect chaos. Remarkably, it’s just the opposite.  What kind of magic is at play here?
       Nineteen years ago I was introduced to the sport of cross country.  The first meet I ever attended (and coached) was a HUGE event with dozens of middle and high schools participating.  Our middle schoolers were invited to run – boys, girls, 7th and 8th graders en masse – with 400 some others in the final race.  I left that day inspired and impressed by the qualities expressed:

• Everybody participates – no benchwarmers in this sport!
• There’s broad but minimal oversight by referees so runners have no reason to complain about perceived bad calls.
• Cross country encourages the life-sport of running which in turn fosters a healthy population.
• And here’s the best part – everyone cheers for all the runners.  Of course spectators cheer especially loudly for their home team, but words of encouragement for all runners are generously offered.

        This cooperatively competitive framework and atmosphere is a recipe for success that lifts everyone.  What a great sport!
        So how could the broader world apply some of these principles?  Like it or not, there’s ample evidence that use of carbon-based fuels such as oil, gas and coal that power our global economy severely adversely effects the well-being of our planet.  Cross country lessons may be helpful in moving us in a healthier direction:

• Everyone can and must participate by using energy more wisely.
• It’s helpful to have some broad over-sight to make for a level playing field.  But let’s let the marketplace drive energy innovation rather than imposing burdensome government regulations. A fee on carbon that returns all revenue collected to every American household as an annual dividend would be that type of market-driven possibility.
• Cleaner energy will foster a healthier population.
• And here’s the best part - we need to cheer for and support everyone’s contributions toward cleaner energy. The planet’s health is too important to let polarization and ideology cloud wise policy.

       In my experience, almost without exception, both runners and spectators alike leave cross country meets happier and healthier than when they’d arrived.  Let’s work that kind of magic on the future of life here on earth because we really have no other choice.  After all, we’re here forever…Earthbound.