I recently watched the documentary Jesus Camp. The film focused on the impact of fundamentalist/evangelical Christians on politics in the United States, especially with respect to cultural war issues (mainly abortion, but also homosexuality, separation of church and state, evolution, and global warming). I have a difficult time understanding why global warming is as much of an issue as it is among a certain segment of Christianity. What I observe is not an opposition to certain legislative efforts or a desire to debate over human causality but an emotional, gut-level denial of the existence of global warming. (This is not to deny that there are equally emotional and illogical responses on the other side.) I do not understand why they are so passionate about this issue. When we have an especially cold day in winter, they will be quick to point out how silly people are to believe in global warming. Why do they care so much?

Here are the possible reasons that I have come up with:

1. Confusion of Politics and Religion
   I can understand why many Republicans are against global warming legislation and treaties. They are naturally skeptical of this as just another excuse for the liberals to push for bigger government. I have also noticed there are some Christians who seem unable to distinguish conservative politics from conservative theology. I read in a SBC-orientated blog recently where the blogger was making the case that he was theologically conservative. The fact that he voted for George W. Bush was part of his evidence.
2. It's Those Nasty Scientists Again
   This fits well into the culture war perspective as does the previous one I suppose. It is Hollywood, liberals, and scientists in one corner and evangelical Christians who are trying to return this county to the values of its founders in the other. Those atheistic scientists are pushing evolution so they can't be trusted on global warming.
3. They Told Me To
   I don't doubt that there are people who have looked at the research and the predictions and are honestly skeptical of the claims. The question though is why your average Joe feels strongly about it. Perhaps the same leaders that provide anti-evolution or anti-gay marriage information also speak against the research behind global warming.

I understand that economics is an issue in this discussion, but money is rarely an issue when significant risks are perceived. Most of the same people support the war in Iraq and the Patriot Act because of the perceived risks. The question I am seeking the answer to is why they see virtually no risk associated with global warming.