It really disturbs me that the environmental movement has been co-opted by creation-worshippers instead of being encouraged by the Creator-worshippers.

The quote "It really disturbs me that the environmental movement has been co-opted by creation-worshippers instead of being encouraged by the Creator-worshippers" by Joel Salatin reflects his frustration with the way certain religious and ideological groups have approached the environmental movement. Salatin, an outspoken advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, is critical of how the movement has been influenced by those who focus on creation as a self-contained, secular entity, rather than acknowledging a Creator—in his view, a more spiritually grounded approach to environmental stewardship.

The origin of this quote comes from Salatin's work in promoting holistic farming practices, where he believes that the care for the environment should be rooted in a spiritual or religious connection to a higher power, which he terms Creator-worshippers. His statement suggests that the environmental movement would be more effective if it were grounded in the belief that humans have a divine responsibility to care for the earth, rather than seeing the earth as an entity that should be worshipped in itself. For Salatin, sustainability and environmental responsibility are not just secular issues but are tied to spiritual and moral values.

Salatin’s concern also reflects the broader cultural and ideological divisions within the environmental movement, where different groups may have conflicting beliefs about the role of humanity and the natural world. By referring to creation-worshippers, he critiques those who might revere the earth or nature as an independent force, without recognizing a Creator behind it. His view is that environmentalism should be informed by a deeper sense of spirituality and moral obligation, rooted in the belief that humans are caretakers of God's creation.

In essence, Salatin’s quote challenges the environmental movement to reconsider its foundations, urging that it embrace a spiritually grounded approach to sustainability. He advocates for a shift in how people perceive their relationship with the earth, suggesting that recognizing a Creator as the guiding force behind the natural world can offer a more moral and holistic framework for caring for the environment.