Inhabiting Eden: Christians, the Bible, and the Ecological Crisis

by Patricia K Tull

In this thoughtful study, respected Old Testament scholar Patricia K. Tull explores the Scriptures for guidance on today's ecological crisis. Tull looks to the Bible for what it can tell us about our relationships, not just to the earth itself, but also to plant and animal life, to each other, to descendants who will inherit the planet from us, and to our Creator. She offers candid discussions on many current ecological problems that humans contribute to, such as the overuse of energy resources like gas and electricity, consumerism, food production systems--including land use and factory farming--and toxic waste. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions and a practical exercise, making it ideal for both group and individual study. This important book provides a biblical basis for thinking about our world differently and prompts us to consider changing our own actions. Visit inhabitingeden.org for links to additional resources and information.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Faith, Science

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2013

Reviews

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023 bk 120. Be you conservative conscious about stewardship or liberal champion of climate crisis or somewhere in-between- if you are Christian (or perhaps even Jewish) or have a keen sense of how history impacts today, this book has hard questions for you about your faith and personal actions. I picked up the book as a result of my student pastor reading it for a class. I kept reading the book because Tull's take on the prophets of the Old Testament and their care for the earth around the early Jewish population was never so obvious to me as through Dr. Tull's interpretations. When I say hard questions, I mean hard questions. How many times have I thrown a plastic water bottle in the trash rather than take it the few extra steps to the recyling bin? How many years did I go with not rotating the veggies in my garden? Why don't I purchase from a Farmer's Market on a more regular basis? Why aren't all my bulbs changed out to LED's (if Walmart can do it in all their store, why can't I?) It isn't the easiest read, but one well worth the time and energy. FYI - I've never met Dr. Tull even though she lives within 15 miles of me, but many of her proofreaders are friends or acquaintances.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

What role should Christians play in confronting the ecological challenges of our day? If we choose to engage in such efforts, what resources are there that will help us address these challenges? As for me, I believe we do have an important role. I believe that if we're to serve the Creator, then we must take care of what God has provided. And, I believe that the biblical story, while not providing all the answers, is a fruitful place to start.

What we need are resources that will guide and inform our study of the biblical story and our world. Inhabiting Eden is just the kind of resource we need to engage with. The author is Patricia Tull is Professor Emerita of Old Testament at Louisville Theological Seminary and an ordained Presbyterian minister.

This is a book designed to be read by the general populace. It will make an excellent group study, with each chapter having a set of thought/discussion questions, along with a "Do This At Home" section. The nine chapters deal with the problem of change, the place of humans in creation, life outside the garden, commerce, food, animal life, environmental fairness, the inheritance we're leaving our children (climate change is front and center here), and finally a call to live within our means. The book also has an appendix listing key passages dealing with the issue, another appendix that provides a responsive reading of Genesis 1:1-2:3, and then a further reading list.

Because this is such an important point of conversation, this should serve as an excellent starting point.

[Steve Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need to take care of our planet and Tull explains why Bible-believers should see that as a directive, and not an option. An important book. More comments at: Sects and Violence in the Ancient World.