Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis

by Leah D. Schade (Editor), Margaret Bullitt-Jonas

Rooted and Rising is for everyone who worries about the climate crisis and seeks spiritual practices and perspectives to renew their capacity for compassionate, purposeful, and joyful action.

Leah Schade and Margaret Bullitt-Jonas gather twenty-one faith leaders, scientists, community organizers, theologians, and grassroots climate activists to offer wisdom for fellow pilgrims grappling with the weight of climate change. Acknowledging the unprecedented nature of our predicament—the fact that climate disruption is unraveling the web of life and threatening the end of human civilization—the authors share their stories of grief and hope, fear and faith. Together, the essays, introductory sections, and discussion questions reveal that our present crisis can elicit a depth of wisdom, insight, and motivation with power to guide us toward a more peaceful, just, and Earth-honoring future.

With a foreword by Mary Evelyn Tucker and a special introduction by Bill McKibben, the book presents an interfaith perspective that welcomes and challenges readers of all backgrounds.

Genres: Climate Change, Nonfiction, Environment

246 pages, Hardcover

Published November 5, 2019

Reviews

[Peterson Toscano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very much inspired and encouraged by the essays in this book. I found out about it because I am a contributor to it, but after getting my copy of the book, I felt comforted and challenged by the other contributors. I love how each section ends with questions to ponder and a spiritual practice.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a series of essays from various religious leaders (mostly from Abrahamic ones) about the current crisis brought on by climate change. Each one emphasizes how it is part of their religious duties to face this obstacle which impacts everyone. Climate change unfairly impacts those that didn't contribute to the problem first and more severely, which in their minds, makes it also a social justice issue. Every leader has a different viewpoint and ways they keep striving for this issue. My favorite quote is as follows:

"In a future shaped by climate refugees, it is perverse to continue worshipping the notion of arbitrary borders that determine which of God's children have the right to live and which do not."

There is also a section from the viewpoint of a Native American and non-religious. Each chapter has thought provoking questions at the end as well as meditations and other practices one can implement. It's worth reading.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to review this book for "Interpretation" (forthcoming issue) and almost forgot that it should be posted here. "Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis" has twenty-eight chapters in seven sections from a various of religious faiths (Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestants [mainline and Evangelical]). Each section ends with "questions to ponder and a spiritual practice." Most of the chapters focus on the person's journey responding to climate change/crisis and how their faith impacts that struggle. Good energy in the book and lots of things to ponder, ranging from lament to hope. It is arranged as a group study book and would be great for an interfaith group, from high school age on up.

[Laura Kisthardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible collection of essays! I read this book for a study organized through the BTS Center. Each week we read one section, heard from a contributor to the book, and had small group discussion. This book is great for church small group study. I loved the interfaith perspectives and general variety of people who contributed.
I learned so much about the environmental movement and have a lot to think about.

[Sarah Aspacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book on climate change and our responsibility to do something. Enlightening and painful with glimpses of hope. Must read.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this for a book study at church. Great collection of provocative essays from different faith traditions.

[Austin Spence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t WOW me, however that may be due to my lack of enjoyment of collected essays from various authors.