Christians & Clunkers

As if there are not enough of us out in the blogosphere talking about the Cash for Clunkers, I feel I must offer my comments. Here we have perfectly good cars being destroyed in exchange for a few thousand dollars towards a new car most of us don’t need.  In the midst of such difficult times, it troubles me to think how many naive suburban Christians will drive their brand-new fuel-efficient cars to church next Sunday?

What is a Clunker? The government’s definition of a clunker is not exactly a road-side heap of metal on cinder blocks. Rather it is a mid-to-late 90’s-model, certainly a larger breed, and my guess, paid for.  

And who is buying these highly-efficient cars? My somewhat educated guess is that these buyers have a job, possible two per household, limited savings, and are undoubtedly willing to purchase these new cars on credit. These people have good credit and cash flow- nothing more. When the cash flow stops, the trouble starts. Unfortunately, this is the same problem we encountered in the housing market just on a smaller scale.

I understand the logic of purchasing more fuel-efficient cars, and I agree that as good stewards we should take care of the planet that God has blessed us with. However, God has also provided us with a great many things which we to are care for namely our neighbor, the poor and homeless, those in need. Like it or not, the hungry trump the environment any day in my book.

Scott suggests… One possible alternative to limiting our dependence on oil, not to mention whipping the overweight 2/3’s of our population into shape, is the bicycle.  Yet in most of the country this highly efficient, century old contraption has been met with nothing but resistance.

And check this out… The Junky Car Club is vehemently opposed to this dumb idea and urges our members to not give in to this tempting deal…. While some may feel embarrassed, ashamed or self conscious about their beater, drive your clunker with pride. Our lives and self worth are defined by what we do, and not what we drive.

And as my friend Foster might agree… if you have twenty-grand burning a hole in your pocket, stick some of it in a savings account, try a little in the markets while the opportunity is good, and then give the rest to a much deserving and much needed ministry.

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