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Let Creation Rejoice: Biblical Hope and Ecological Crisis
"Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes." Psalm 96:13 The Bible is bathed with images of God caring for his creation in all its complexity. Yet in the face of climate change and other environmental trends, philosophers, filmmakers, environmentalists, politicians and senior scientists increasingly resort to apocalyptic rhetoric to warn us that a so-called perfect storm of factors threatens the future of life on earth. Jonathan Moo and Robert White ask, "Do these dire predictions amount to nothing more than ideological scaremongering, perhaps hyped-up for political or personal ends? Or are there good reasons for thinking that we may indeed be facing a crisis unprecedented in its scale and in the severity of its effects?" The authors encourage us to assess the evidence for ourselves. Their own conclusion is that there is in fact plenty of cause for concern. Climate change, they suggest, is potentially the most far-reaching threat that our planet faces in the coming decades, and also the most publicized. But there is a wide range of much more obvious, interrelated and damaging effects that a growing number of people, consuming more and more, are having on the planet upon which we all depend. Yet if the Christian gospel fundamentally reorients us in our relationship to God and his world, then there ought to be something radically distinctive about our attitude and approach to such threats. In short, there ought to be a place for hope. And there ought to be a place for Christians to participate in that hope. Moo and White therefore reflect on the difference the Bible's vision of the future of all of creation makes. Why should creation rejoice? Because God loves and cares the world he made.
187 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2014
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June 4, 2015
Let Creation Rejoice: Biblical Hope and Ecological Crisis by Jonathan A. Moo and Robert S. White. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2014.
Summary: A scientist and a theologian get together to assess both environmental trends and biblical teaching and contend that there are reasons for serious concern, concerted action, and because of the gospel, for hope.
I have an interesting collection of Facebook friends. On any given day, I can find posts predicting apocalyptic consequences for every living thing on earth because of our pollution of earth, water, and air, and equally ardent posts decrying all of this as "bunk". Sadly, the discourse that seems to be occurring in the halls of government doesn't seem much different.
What I find rarely taking place are thoughtful conversations between scientists and people of faith considering what we may learn of these things and our call from God from listening both to the book of scripture and the book of creation. This book is a wonderful step in that direction as a scientist and theologian have collaborated to give us an account that is at once challenging, and yet filled with hope, that both considers the data of researchers and the data of scripture.
Following an introductory chapter that decries both the apocalyptics and the deniers, the next two chapters summarize the "state of affairs" in our world today, considering human population growth, the decrease of biodiversity, the growing water crisis, concerns about nitrogen buildups due to artificial fertilizers, our food supply, and finally in a chapter to itself, the growing consensus among serious scientists of unprecedented CO2 buildup in the atmosphere, current warming trends, and, what seemed to me, fairly measured discussion of what might happen in the future.
The next five chapters consider relevant scriptures, both outlining why the creation is not rejoicing, and how it may, and ultimately will. Chapter 4 centers on Jesus' proclamation of "jubilee" in Luke 4:15-16. Chapter 5 focuses around Romans 8:18-25 and the groaning creation longing for release, that will come along with the redemption of God's people. Chapter 6 explores 2 Peter 3:10-13 and the common contention of "why care if it is all going to burn." The authors argue that the burning is one of removing the "veil" of heaven as well as purifying the earth, not consuming it all. It is meant as a warning of judgment that calls Peter's readers to present faithfulness in all things, including stewardship of the creation.
Chapter 7 considers the coming of Christ as a thief in the night and the call to be responsible stewards ready to give an answer for our stewardship of the creation. Chapter 8, on the book of Revelation, has particularly trenchant remarks about "Babylon" whose wealth is built on the commodification of humans and at the expense of their lives, a warning to any great power that accrues the wealth of the world to itself at the expense of the labor and lives of others. The book closes with exhortation, challenge and hope. We are to live as those "not of this world", "to always pray and never give up", to not take refuge in excuses or rationalizations, and to live in love, joy and hope, realizing we can both anticipate the new creation to come in our acts of faithfulness, and yet that it will come as a gift of God and not a human accomplishment.
I was sobered as I considered that when I knowingly consume the earth's resources in a way that subjugates others and contribute to conditions that lead to the death of others, I am complicit in slavery and death. Reading of God's concern for his creatures in Genesis 9, I'm struck by how much we have to answer for concerning the extinction of so many creatures God has made. I can rationalize and deny in all sorts of ways. It seems like the only real course is to repent and lament and cast myself on the mercies of God and do what is set before me.
That's where the hope comes in. God knows that our own feeble efforts to clean up our messes only lead to more mess, and that, while we can begin in a way that anticipates his new creation, our hope is that he will return to finish that work of renewal.
This book moves beyond the polemics to sober appraisal and a call to biblically rooted Christian faithfulness. Ultimately, its appeal is rooted not in the data of science but in the authority of the Bible. At one point one of the authors observes that a climate skeptic he talked to actually lived a humbler, more earth-friendly life stewarding God's creation than he. It may just be that convincing Christians to live out their call as stewards of creation may be far more effective than arguments pro and con about climate science. This book is a good place to begin
Summary: A scientist and a theologian get together to assess both environmental trends and biblical teaching and contend that there are reasons for serious concern, concerted action, and because of the gospel, for hope.
I have an interesting collection of Facebook friends. On any given day, I can find posts predicting apocalyptic consequences for every living thing on earth because of our pollution of earth, water, and air, and equally ardent posts decrying all of this as "bunk". Sadly, the discourse that seems to be occurring in the halls of government doesn't seem much different.
What I find rarely taking place are thoughtful conversations between scientists and people of faith considering what we may learn of these things and our call from God from listening both to the book of scripture and the book of creation. This book is a wonderful step in that direction as a scientist and theologian have collaborated to give us an account that is at once challenging, and yet filled with hope, that both considers the data of researchers and the data of scripture.
Following an introductory chapter that decries both the apocalyptics and the deniers, the next two chapters summarize the "state of affairs" in our world today, considering human population growth, the decrease of biodiversity, the growing water crisis, concerns about nitrogen buildups due to artificial fertilizers, our food supply, and finally in a chapter to itself, the growing consensus among serious scientists of unprecedented CO2 buildup in the atmosphere, current warming trends, and, what seemed to me, fairly measured discussion of what might happen in the future.
The next five chapters consider relevant scriptures, both outlining why the creation is not rejoicing, and how it may, and ultimately will. Chapter 4 centers on Jesus' proclamation of "jubilee" in Luke 4:15-16. Chapter 5 focuses around Romans 8:18-25 and the groaning creation longing for release, that will come along with the redemption of God's people. Chapter 6 explores 2 Peter 3:10-13 and the common contention of "why care if it is all going to burn." The authors argue that the burning is one of removing the "veil" of heaven as well as purifying the earth, not consuming it all. It is meant as a warning of judgment that calls Peter's readers to present faithfulness in all things, including stewardship of the creation.
Chapter 7 considers the coming of Christ as a thief in the night and the call to be responsible stewards ready to give an answer for our stewardship of the creation. Chapter 8, on the book of Revelation, has particularly trenchant remarks about "Babylon" whose wealth is built on the commodification of humans and at the expense of their lives, a warning to any great power that accrues the wealth of the world to itself at the expense of the labor and lives of others. The book closes with exhortation, challenge and hope. We are to live as those "not of this world", "to always pray and never give up", to not take refuge in excuses or rationalizations, and to live in love, joy and hope, realizing we can both anticipate the new creation to come in our acts of faithfulness, and yet that it will come as a gift of God and not a human accomplishment.
I was sobered as I considered that when I knowingly consume the earth's resources in a way that subjugates others and contribute to conditions that lead to the death of others, I am complicit in slavery and death. Reading of God's concern for his creatures in Genesis 9, I'm struck by how much we have to answer for concerning the extinction of so many creatures God has made. I can rationalize and deny in all sorts of ways. It seems like the only real course is to repent and lament and cast myself on the mercies of God and do what is set before me.
That's where the hope comes in. God knows that our own feeble efforts to clean up our messes only lead to more mess, and that, while we can begin in a way that anticipates his new creation, our hope is that he will return to finish that work of renewal.
This book moves beyond the polemics to sober appraisal and a call to biblically rooted Christian faithfulness. Ultimately, its appeal is rooted not in the data of science but in the authority of the Bible. At one point one of the authors observes that a climate skeptic he talked to actually lived a humbler, more earth-friendly life stewarding God's creation than he. It may just be that convincing Christians to live out their call as stewards of creation may be far more effective than arguments pro and con about climate science. This book is a good place to begin
July 31, 2020
This was a nice book introducing concerns related to global warming and the impact faith should have in wanting to see it’s prevention. It was also a nice book on the future of creation throughout eternity. The book just didn’t connect the two pieces together in way that complemented one another in regards to cause/effect or practical strategies. Many great takeaways allowed a middle of the road rating for an otherwise disjointed work.
August 11, 2022
A solid intro to an Evangelical Christian spirituality/perspective regarding the environment and care of the natural world.
I found the focus on hope interesting and compelling, a different kind of lens to approach this complicated topic.
I found the focus on hope interesting and compelling, a different kind of lens to approach this complicated topic.
December 6, 2019
This book is a well-written primer, but as other reviews have observed the material is introductory. 3.5 stars would be my true ranking. The first 3 chapters are an introduction and basic overview to the harmful effects humans are having on planet earth and global warming/climate change. The next 6 chapters then make the Biblical case for why Christians should care about the environment. Individual chapters examine the vision of the future presented by Paul (largely in Romans 8), Peter (largely in 2 Peter 3), Jesus (largely in Luke 12), and the Book of Revelations. In all cases, the Biblical vision is one of a new earth where Jesus comes to reign and Christians dwell. This earth is certainly purified and remade, but there is clear continuity between the present and future nonhuman parts of creation.
All-in-all, the climate change chapters were very well written but felt very introductory to me (also, I'm a scientist). Likewise, the Biblical case for good stewardship of the Earth based on an Amilliennial vision of the future is also very familiar to me. My Eschatology course taught by Suzanne McDonald during my Senior year of college may be the most memorable class I've ever taken. For my term paper, I chose the topic of "what happens to non-human parts of creation" and started it with a passage from Tom Robbins' Still Life with Woodpecker. All that's to say, this book could and should be used as introductory materials given out by churches or other ministries to curious believers. I don't think that very conservative Christians who have their minds fixed on rapture are likely to pick up this book. But that's a shame, because they should.
All-in-all, the climate change chapters were very well written but felt very introductory to me (also, I'm a scientist). Likewise, the Biblical case for good stewardship of the Earth based on an Amilliennial vision of the future is also very familiar to me. My Eschatology course taught by Suzanne McDonald during my Senior year of college may be the most memorable class I've ever taken. For my term paper, I chose the topic of "what happens to non-human parts of creation" and started it with a passage from Tom Robbins' Still Life with Woodpecker. All that's to say, this book could and should be used as introductory materials given out by churches or other ministries to curious believers. I don't think that very conservative Christians who have their minds fixed on rapture are likely to pick up this book. But that's a shame, because they should.
March 22, 2014
The evangelical faith I was reared was full of eschatological predictions. We knew Jesus was coming back. Many expected it to be soon and most expected a radical shift from this material age to a heavenly kingdom. There was little concern with creation because this ‘world was passing away.’ Today, the churches I’ve been a part of still look forward to Christ’s return but there is a greater enthusiasm for creation care. These days the doomsayers tend to be environmentalists and activists warning us about the effects of overpopulation and our wanton use of the world’s finite resources. But does our Christian hope speak to our current ecological predicament?
In Let Creation Rejoice (IVP Academic-forthcoming) authors Jonathan A. Moo and Robert S.White give a compelling argument that we have hope in the midst of our ecologically brokenness. Moo is an assistant professor of New Testament at Whitworth and White is a Cambridge professor of geophysics. Their combined expertise enables them to examine the scientific evidence for overpopulation, the loss of bio-diversity and climate change, as well as biblical passages which address our attitude and responsibility to the created order. Creation groans with us under the effects of human sinfulness (Rom. 8:22). It also awaits the renewal of all things (Matt 19:28).
Moo and White unfold their argument over the book’s nine chapters. Chapter one introduces the topic, various Christian responses to the environment and provides a map to the chapters that follow. Chapter two and three explore the broad scientific consensus around environmental problems such as overpopulation and the loss of biodiversity (chapter 2) and climate change (chapter 3). While climate change (aka, global warming) is controversial among a few, vocal opponents, Moo & White regard it as a given but also attempt to answer the skeptics.
Chapter four provides an overview of the biblical hope–the gospel and the future. Moo & White eschew models that either denigrate the physical world in favor of eternity or seek to replace Christian eschatology with the idea of ‘God’s grace breaking into the present’ (82). Both these approaches are at best, sub-Christian. The value of creation is affirmed in Genesis 1 (God called creation, ‘good’ and ‘very good’) and the gospel presents us with God’s plan to redeem the world in Christ. Our hope is that Christ came and will come again to restore that which has been lost. Models of Christian engagement with the environment which are not rooted in this biblical hope have nothing ‘Christian’ to offer. As Moo and White write:
There are two apparent opposite dangers that we must avoid if we are to be faithful to what the Bible teaches about the gospel and the future. The first danger is to assume that biblical hope is of the “pie in the sky, by and by” variety that limits concerns with this world and shuts down engagement with the difficulties and challenges inherent to living here and today. Such an assumption is often linked to views of the gospel as something all about me, as something that speaks only to my own existential crisis or answers only to my individual plight as a sinner before a holy God. We have begun to see that though this a popular caricature of Christian belief, it does not reflect the biblical perspective of the gospel taken as a whole. . . .The opposite error is equally seductive, however. This is to give up on biblical hope in the face of its despisers, to suppress the reality of our own rebellion against God and our need for his mercy, and to assume that Christian faith can be reduced to a pattern of living in the present that gives no consideration to the future. (94-5).
Chapters five through eight take a closer look at Bible passages which address creation and our attitude towards it. Chapter five examines what the Old and New Testament tells us about Creation’s future–affirm its value and linking its fate to our own (114). In chapter six Moo and White examine 2 Peter and passages that seem to describe the earth’s cataclysmic destruction. They argue that rather then emphasizing the destruction of the created order, these passages lay emphasis on God’s judgement of human sinfulness (122). Our response shouldn’t be to fail to care for creation but to put on the righteousness and virtue befitting citizens of Christ’s future kingdom. If God’s kingdom is breaking in, it should effect how we steward the earth. Chapter seven describes Jesus’ parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 and his coming like a ‘thief in the night.’ Moo and White argue that Jesus’ critique of the rich fool’s greed and self-absorption has implications for own treatment of the environment (136). Chapter eight looks at John’s cosmic vision of the New Heaven and earth and how we find our proper stance toward creation in the worship of God.
Chapter nine concludes the book by exhorting us to have hope, to watch and pray for creation and allow our eschatological hope to inspire us to loving and a joyful response to our ecological crises. An afterward lists several Christian organizations which are working in the area of creation care.
Let Creation Rejoice is an important contribution for Christians wondering how to respond to the environment. I have several friends working creation care, sustainable farming and environmental advocacy (I live in the Northwest, this is not unusual). It is unfortunate that care for the environment requires an apologetic among some evangelicals (my tribe). Moo and White provide such an apologetic building their case scientifically and biblically. I highly recommend this book to environmentalists and skeptics who feel their is ‘no need to polish the brass on a sinking ship.’ I appreciate how even-handed and thorough Moo and White are for such a short book. I give this book five stars: ★★★★★!
Thank you to IVP Academic for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Let Creation Rejoice is due out in June 2014. You may pre-order from IVP or Amazon.
In Let Creation Rejoice (IVP Academic-forthcoming) authors Jonathan A. Moo and Robert S.White give a compelling argument that we have hope in the midst of our ecologically brokenness. Moo is an assistant professor of New Testament at Whitworth and White is a Cambridge professor of geophysics. Their combined expertise enables them to examine the scientific evidence for overpopulation, the loss of bio-diversity and climate change, as well as biblical passages which address our attitude and responsibility to the created order. Creation groans with us under the effects of human sinfulness (Rom. 8:22). It also awaits the renewal of all things (Matt 19:28).
Moo and White unfold their argument over the book’s nine chapters. Chapter one introduces the topic, various Christian responses to the environment and provides a map to the chapters that follow. Chapter two and three explore the broad scientific consensus around environmental problems such as overpopulation and the loss of biodiversity (chapter 2) and climate change (chapter 3). While climate change (aka, global warming) is controversial among a few, vocal opponents, Moo & White regard it as a given but also attempt to answer the skeptics.
Chapter four provides an overview of the biblical hope–the gospel and the future. Moo & White eschew models that either denigrate the physical world in favor of eternity or seek to replace Christian eschatology with the idea of ‘God’s grace breaking into the present’ (82). Both these approaches are at best, sub-Christian. The value of creation is affirmed in Genesis 1 (God called creation, ‘good’ and ‘very good’) and the gospel presents us with God’s plan to redeem the world in Christ. Our hope is that Christ came and will come again to restore that which has been lost. Models of Christian engagement with the environment which are not rooted in this biblical hope have nothing ‘Christian’ to offer. As Moo and White write:
There are two apparent opposite dangers that we must avoid if we are to be faithful to what the Bible teaches about the gospel and the future. The first danger is to assume that biblical hope is of the “pie in the sky, by and by” variety that limits concerns with this world and shuts down engagement with the difficulties and challenges inherent to living here and today. Such an assumption is often linked to views of the gospel as something all about me, as something that speaks only to my own existential crisis or answers only to my individual plight as a sinner before a holy God. We have begun to see that though this a popular caricature of Christian belief, it does not reflect the biblical perspective of the gospel taken as a whole. . . .The opposite error is equally seductive, however. This is to give up on biblical hope in the face of its despisers, to suppress the reality of our own rebellion against God and our need for his mercy, and to assume that Christian faith can be reduced to a pattern of living in the present that gives no consideration to the future. (94-5).
Chapters five through eight take a closer look at Bible passages which address creation and our attitude towards it. Chapter five examines what the Old and New Testament tells us about Creation’s future–affirm its value and linking its fate to our own (114). In chapter six Moo and White examine 2 Peter and passages that seem to describe the earth’s cataclysmic destruction. They argue that rather then emphasizing the destruction of the created order, these passages lay emphasis on God’s judgement of human sinfulness (122). Our response shouldn’t be to fail to care for creation but to put on the righteousness and virtue befitting citizens of Christ’s future kingdom. If God’s kingdom is breaking in, it should effect how we steward the earth. Chapter seven describes Jesus’ parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 and his coming like a ‘thief in the night.’ Moo and White argue that Jesus’ critique of the rich fool’s greed and self-absorption has implications for own treatment of the environment (136). Chapter eight looks at John’s cosmic vision of the New Heaven and earth and how we find our proper stance toward creation in the worship of God.
Chapter nine concludes the book by exhorting us to have hope, to watch and pray for creation and allow our eschatological hope to inspire us to loving and a joyful response to our ecological crises. An afterward lists several Christian organizations which are working in the area of creation care.
Let Creation Rejoice is an important contribution for Christians wondering how to respond to the environment. I have several friends working creation care, sustainable farming and environmental advocacy (I live in the Northwest, this is not unusual). It is unfortunate that care for the environment requires an apologetic among some evangelicals (my tribe). Moo and White provide such an apologetic building their case scientifically and biblically. I highly recommend this book to environmentalists and skeptics who feel their is ‘no need to polish the brass on a sinking ship.’ I appreciate how even-handed and thorough Moo and White are for such a short book. I give this book five stars: ★★★★★!
Thank you to IVP Academic for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Let Creation Rejoice is due out in June 2014. You may pre-order from IVP or Amazon.
June 3, 2021
This is a book motivating Christians to accept the facts of climate change and providing a Biblical understanding of our creation mandate as stewards of the world. Chapters 2 and 3 provide a smattering of data and scientific consensus. Most of the rest is Biblical exegesis encouraging Christians to take our stewardship responsibility seriously and deal with the human impact on the world.
The exegesis is sound. The authors emphasize the point that Christians will live eternally on a redeemed earth, not be taken to a separate heaven. They work hard to respond to the flippant attitude that God will make it right in the end so we don't have to worry about how we live now.
The authors specifically say the don't want to give a list of do's and don'ts related to how we should live, but I would have appreciated a little bit more practical advice. I also think they should have given consideration to some limit on the number of humans on the earth for sustainable and equitable lifestyles for all.
The exegesis is sound. The authors emphasize the point that Christians will live eternally on a redeemed earth, not be taken to a separate heaven. They work hard to respond to the flippant attitude that God will make it right in the end so we don't have to worry about how we live now.
The authors specifically say the don't want to give a list of do's and don'ts related to how we should live, but I would have appreciated a little bit more practical advice. I also think they should have given consideration to some limit on the number of humans on the earth for sustainable and equitable lifestyles for all.
November 22, 2025
In the midst of the current clamor for climate justice and saving the planet, I find this book refreshing since it offers a balance between the ideological fearmongering and the radical hope that the Scripture supplies.
This book presents the current unprecedented crisis of climate change and how humans severely affect their environment together with the gospel message of hope, renewal, and transformation.
I appreciate how the conclusions of the authors are both biblically grounded and scientifically informed. They gave a careful analysis of environmental threats and a thorough discussion of relevant texts to creation and its care.
With that in mind, I felt like the distinction between the first and second part is too distinct in that all the science stuff is confined to Part 1 and all the theological implications are on the Part 2. I think the discussions could be more intertwined.
Nevertheless, this book helped me think through how the gospel hope applies to all creation, and not just to human and divine relationships.
Excellent for starters!
This book presents the current unprecedented crisis of climate change and how humans severely affect their environment together with the gospel message of hope, renewal, and transformation.
I appreciate how the conclusions of the authors are both biblically grounded and scientifically informed. They gave a careful analysis of environmental threats and a thorough discussion of relevant texts to creation and its care.
With that in mind, I felt like the distinction between the first and second part is too distinct in that all the science stuff is confined to Part 1 and all the theological implications are on the Part 2. I think the discussions could be more intertwined.
Nevertheless, this book helped me think through how the gospel hope applies to all creation, and not just to human and divine relationships.
Excellent for starters!
September 4, 2022
I'm still unsure how to feel about this book. Ultimately, I feel like its point was "As Christians, we should have hope and love and joy and not be depressed about the world and its trajectory." Which, for me, was like "Well, yeah. Duh." And I quibble with their interpretation methods for Scripture. They are quick to dismiss and re-interpret passages that people took as literal for many years and call them figurative, and yet also hard-lined about seeing some verses as totally literal that many others have seen as figurative. Their view of Revelation and the making of the new earth is very very different than what is traditionally taught. I'm not opposed to it, but it requires some new mental gymnastics that I'm not prepared to make. Yet. But I would still recommend it to read is you, like me, are a seeker when it comes to wanting to know more about environmentalism and Christianity. Even though they challenge my POV, it was a refreshing challenge.
November 17, 2022
This was so good. Christians can get a bit skittish around climate change, but Moo lays an excellent argument for caring for the earth in general and then why Christians should care for the earth. Though secular books on climate change appeal to fear, Moo appeals to hope throughout his book. The world is fallen, yes, but it will be made new. I'd recommend this book to any Christian climate-change skeptic. Moo integrates Bible references and theology throughout, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to a non-Christian.
If anything, I wish there were more ideas on how to make personal positive changes. There is a comprehensive list of resources at the end of the book, but integrating them into the text would have been nice.
If anything, I wish there were more ideas on how to make personal positive changes. There is a comprehensive list of resources at the end of the book, but integrating them into the text would have been nice.
September 5, 2024
I understand why the authors don't offer practical steps/solutions, but I still wanted them to connect the dots more. Some examples of people living out the theological/philosophical points would have been helpful!
February 26, 2025
The first 3 chapters focus on the situation of climate change as of 2013, so it’s out of date by now. That being said, the remaining chapters still have merit and don’t even need the instigation of climate change to warrant examination of how Christians should interact and care for creation.
July 18, 2015
Although I appreciate the over-all theme the authors were trying to present (Christians should be concerned about the environment), the content of the book was not arranged well. The first couple of chapters can only be described as information overload, with rapid snippets of info that often left more questions than answers. It was as if the authors were trying so hard to convince their audience of man-made climate change that they chucked science data in their direction, hoping some of it would stick. Then, they went on to do a very methodically review of scripture to try to convince the audience to care.
The book felt disjointed. It should have been either 1) a book about man-made climate change or 2) a book about what scripture says concerning caring for the "here and now" and our Earth. It could have been successful with both themes if the authors had been more concerned about flow and woven these two themes together well, but unfortunately they did not.
I feel they could have taken one or two of the last four chapter or so, presented these as a case for caring about the Earth, and then seamlessly woven information from the scientific community into these appeals. If the reader really wanted to know more about the science and biology, or wanted more scripture references for further study, an expanded appendix would have sufficed.
As it stands, the first chapters were a chore to slog through, and the remaining ones felt like a completely different book.
On a side note, the authors unfortunately did not address some key issues that would be crucial to holding the interest to many readers in their key audience, Evangelicals:
1. Old v. Young Earth -- regardless of what the authors believe, many of their readers will adhere to a younger earth view. Even just taking a couple of paragraphs to address this would have sufficed. However, this was not addressed, and nearly all the scientific data presented was based off of an Old Earth view. Unfortunately, this would caused some readers of their key audience to dismiss it all together.
2. Science community on a pedestal -- there was mention of "the few scientists among the majority that believe climate change is not man-made" and it was suggested that any and all science coming from them was probably funded by "big corporations" who are greedy for money. I do not argue that this sort of thing happens. However, the authors need to also admit that the scientific community is not perfect, either. How many scientist receive government funds to do climate research? How many more are tied up with politicians who use man-made climate change issues as a platform for elections? Do you think money would keep flowing for either party if it were discovered that climate change were not necessarily man-made? Or even to question it? I'm not saying the scientific community is lying to us, but I'm also not saying that all climate scientists are saints. This, once again, is an issue that the author's key audience will have in their minds, and many may dismiss the book because of it.
If the aim of this book were to be a text with lots of data for academics, or a topical review of what scripture says about caring for the Earth, it might get read. However, my understanding is that the authors wanted this to gain a wider audience than just academics. If this is the case, I simply can't see the average lay person getting past the first chapter.
The book felt disjointed. It should have been either 1) a book about man-made climate change or 2) a book about what scripture says concerning caring for the "here and now" and our Earth. It could have been successful with both themes if the authors had been more concerned about flow and woven these two themes together well, but unfortunately they did not.
I feel they could have taken one or two of the last four chapter or so, presented these as a case for caring about the Earth, and then seamlessly woven information from the scientific community into these appeals. If the reader really wanted to know more about the science and biology, or wanted more scripture references for further study, an expanded appendix would have sufficed.
As it stands, the first chapters were a chore to slog through, and the remaining ones felt like a completely different book.
On a side note, the authors unfortunately did not address some key issues that would be crucial to holding the interest to many readers in their key audience, Evangelicals:
1. Old v. Young Earth -- regardless of what the authors believe, many of their readers will adhere to a younger earth view. Even just taking a couple of paragraphs to address this would have sufficed. However, this was not addressed, and nearly all the scientific data presented was based off of an Old Earth view. Unfortunately, this would caused some readers of their key audience to dismiss it all together.
2. Science community on a pedestal -- there was mention of "the few scientists among the majority that believe climate change is not man-made" and it was suggested that any and all science coming from them was probably funded by "big corporations" who are greedy for money. I do not argue that this sort of thing happens. However, the authors need to also admit that the scientific community is not perfect, either. How many scientist receive government funds to do climate research? How many more are tied up with politicians who use man-made climate change issues as a platform for elections? Do you think money would keep flowing for either party if it were discovered that climate change were not necessarily man-made? Or even to question it? I'm not saying the scientific community is lying to us, but I'm also not saying that all climate scientists are saints. This, once again, is an issue that the author's key audience will have in their minds, and many may dismiss the book because of it.
If the aim of this book were to be a text with lots of data for academics, or a topical review of what scripture says about caring for the Earth, it might get read. However, my understanding is that the authors wanted this to gain a wider audience than just academics. If this is the case, I simply can't see the average lay person getting past the first chapter.
October 7, 2014
This book was definitely worth the money spent to purchase it. The authors kept the discussion focused on Scripture throughout except where they were providing details of the damage wrought to the environment and related statistics. I especially appreciated the thorough treatment of Romans 8. I would recommend this book to any thoughtful person concerned about the state of the global environment and the believer's response to the needs that it represents.
January 14, 2020
I think this is an important book, especially for the audience it was intended toward. I loved the first half. But I had a hard time finishing it due to the chapters long justification for Christians to care for the planet...since I already agree, it was hard to sit through the many biblical arguments and reasons for people to do this. But I'm hoping their work may convince others who might not have agreed before.
December 30, 2014
A good look at the environmental concerns of today from a Christian & Biblical perspective...one that is not culturally and politically motivated but based on Scripture and in light of the renewing of creation in the hope of the Gospel. Should be read by anyone who genuinely is interested in current climate issues and is a Christian.
July 9, 2019
Great, thought provoking read
This is a great, researched book that doesn't claim to have all the answers but at least starts the conversation to many Christians aren't willing to have. Great read, recommend to everyone.
This is a great, researched book that doesn't claim to have all the answers but at least starts the conversation to many Christians aren't willing to have. Great read, recommend to everyone.
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