TAKINGS LEGISLATION VERSUS
THE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN LAND ETHIC

• TAKINGS: AN INTRODUCTION
• A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TAKINGS ISSUE
• A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
• QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
• WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
• PUTTING FAITH INTO ACTION
• QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
• CONTRIBUTORS

PUTTING FAITH INTO ACTION

Here are some suggestions for those who want to take action with respect to this challenging situation:

1. Think through these issues for yourself. Look up the Scriptures we have cited, ponder them carefully, and pray that our Lord would give you wisdom in discerning what His Word would tell us about the claims of the property rights movement. Do not simply take our word for it, or anyone else's.

2. Keep yourself informed of the current state of legislation. Takings proposals have appeared in a variety of forms both nationally and in state governments. Legislation introduced in the 104th Congress is likely to be re-introduced in the future. Check to see if there are any takings bills before your state legislature (sometimes called "compensation laws," "assessment laws," or "attorney general review laws").

Resources for keeping informed:

Green Cross magazine, published by the Christian Society of the Green Cross, 10 Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood, PA 19096.

Target Earth magazine, published by the Christian Environmental Association, 1650 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95122-1129.

Earthkeeping News, published by the North American Conference on Christianity and Ecology, 1522 West Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105.

Au Sable Notes, published by the Au Sable Institute, Rt. 1, Big Twin Lake, Mancelona, MI 49652.

3. Contact your federal or state representatives and tell them your views concerning this legislation. Be encouraged to share why you oppose takings legislation because of your faith.

The Hon. _________________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

The Hon. _________________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

White House Switchboard: (202) 456-1111

For information about your federal and state representatives, call Project Vote Smart: 1-800-622 SMAR(T).

4. Show your support for federal, state, and local lawmakers and officials who hang tough in the face of threats and political pressure from the "property rights" advocates. Pray for them. You can also express your support by writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

5. Start a study group in your church to examine a biblical approach to "the land." Consider making this the topic for a Sunday School class or a small-group Bible study.

• TAKINGS: AN INTRODUCTION
• A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TAKINGS ISSUE
• A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
• QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
• WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
• PUTTING FAITH INTO ACTION
• QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
• CONTRIBUTORS