Just Water: Theology, Ethics, and Fresh Water Crises

by Christiana Zenner

A study of the necessity and availability of a supply of fresh water from the perspective of Christian ethics. (Updated from the 2014 edition.) This revised edition includes new data and updates on social developments related to water crises, as well as insights from Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’ and a discussion of water justice from the perspective of the events at Standing Rock.

Genres: Theology

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2018

Reviews

[Josiah Shaver]

Just Water is a bombshell of a book. Shattering misconceptions and ignorance about water issues around the world, Zenner paints a gripping, clear panorama of interconnected, urgent water topics. She critically examines the balances between capitalist economics and human rights, hydrology and theology, agriculture and climate change, as well as Laudato Si’, Standing Rock, the Jordan River, gender inequality, business, hydrosociology, spirituality, ethics, and how these topics relate to our modern lives, and our shared future. Zenner’s writing style is evocative, simple, and memorable. Despite being written from a largely Catholic worldview, this book is impressively objective, and I would recommend it to anyone as an excellent introduction to modern global water resources.
- Josiah J. Shaver (Water Resources graduate student and hydrovisionary)

[Victoria J]

A beautifully written treatise on the immutable nature of water and the irrecoverable damage our late capitalist society has done to the finite fresh water resources of the world. Had to read it for school, truly loved reading it for its stunning insights wrapped in poetic refrain.

[Izzy Oliver]

I read 75% of this for class. It was good. I’m just not interested in finishing it at the moment.

[Jesse Hershberger]

Read for class—I got more out of her ecological work than the theological but a good read nonetheless

[Alex]

A phenomenal study of water politics and the role that catholicism plays in those policies. Coming from a secular background, I was deeply moved by the theological ontology of water justice