True North: Christ, the Gospel, and Creation Care

by Mark Liederbach, Seth Bible

Because the Bible describes the second person of the Trinity as the key agent in creation, redemption, and the restoration of all things, it is imperative that Christians seeking conformity to the image of Christ root their understand- ing of, and motivation for, creation care in a theology and ethic that seeks to maximize the worship of Christ throughout all creation.

Discussions related to creation care and environmental ethics have become both politically charged and highly controversial. Unfortunately, while a growing number of Christian books address various aspects of creation care that either support or deny the reality of global warming or perhaps advocate various policies and practices, there is very little work available seeking to focus on, clarify, and establish the biblical and theological foundations upon which Christians ought to care for God’s world. Even more specifically, there seems to be almost a complete dearth of accessible works in theology or ethics that offers a Christology of creation care.

Thus, the purpose of True North is to explore the person and work of Christ in creation, redemption, and the restoration of all things so as to establish the idea that caring for God’s creation depends not upon prognostications for or against a global warming crisis. Rather, the motivation for Christians to care for creation flows from the created purposes established in the very fabric of the universe, faithful discipleship in Christ, and the inherent goal to return to God all the glory he is due from every corner and aspect of creation.

Genres: Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[George Trudeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

In order for us not to have holes in our theology it is always important to see life through the metanarrative of Scripture-- creation, fall, redemption, restoration. Liederbach's helpful book provides a straightforward and thorough ethic for cultivating creation for the glory of Christ, who is the Firstborn of creation. It is imperative for us to reject any gnostic notions of the material world. Creation will be transformed and made new through the redemption of Christ. Those who read this book will walk away wanting to love Christ more through how we relate to creation.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read about half. Boring.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid scholarly treatment on the ethical approach to caring for God's Creation by those who are motivated to announce the Good News to the world with their lips and fingertips. The discussion on the Great Commission and creation care (chapter 4) is worth the purchase of this book and the time investment in reading it. Very engaging and thought-provoking. I would have liked to have seen more moderate and liberal Christian ideals and views referenced throughout the book to provide a more well-rounded discussion. I also felt that NT Wright's scholarly writing on this subject should have been given more than a single "nod" on the final pages of the last chapter. I give this book 3.5-4 stars.

[Nathan Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grounded in Christology and thoroughly researched (about 50 footnotes per chapter), True North not only answers the question of a Christian's response to Creation Care, but also sets the standard for a discussion on ethics. This book is biblically, theologically, and historically Christian. The views of culture are presented and interpreted though the biblical witness. One will learn as much about Christ as they do about Creation. Very well done!

[Joel Griffis · Rating 3 out of 5]

School reading. Has some good spots, but on the whole it's very long-winded. Could have said everything it needed to in far fewer words.