Alvin Reid

Professor of Evangelism/Associate Dean - Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Today’s Date: 17 March 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Hard to say-I have been an animal lover all my life. I have had scores of pets from the traditional to the exotic. I suppose my love for snakes has been the biggest.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

My grandparent’s woods in Alabama. And the woods around my house.

Now? Our back yard. It is in a subdivision but we have about 15 bird feeders and my wife and I love to sit and watch them.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

I suppose a snake. I have had lots. (see http://alvinreid.com/as-a-rebel --these pics are not my animals but a friend's).

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

I would say developing countries wherein governments are doing wholescale tree deforestation. Also the wasteful habits of people in the west.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

It would not be to join a more radical or militant green organization. It would be much simpler. If all of us took little steps to change our use of natural resources it would make a huge difference. From shorter showers to a bit more recycling, from walking more to driving less, etc.