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Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says about the Environment and Why It Matters
Sandra L. Richter cares about the Bible. She also cares about the environment. Using her expertise in ancient Israelite society and economy as well as in biblical theology, she walks readers through passages familiar and not-so-familiar, showing how significant environmental theology is in the Bible's witness. She then calls Christians to apply that message to today's environmental concerns. Richter is a master Bible scholar. Each chapter in this timely book draws out a biblical mandate about care for the land, for domestic and wild animals, for people at the margins, and more. She is also a master storyteller. Well informed on the most significant challenges to present-day environmental stewardship, Richter includes case studies connecting modern day examples and Scripture. Though current political values may tempt readers to separate or even polarize Christian faith and ecological concerns, Richter urges us to be driven by God's values instead.
144 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2020
66 people are currently reading
1015 people want to read
About the author
Sandra L. Richter
13 books99 followersSandra L. Richter (PhD, Harvard University) is Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College and a member of the Committee for Biblical Translation for the NIV. Her scholarly publications include an array of technical studies on the history, society, and economy of the Hebrew Bible, but she is best known in the church for her work The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament and her riveting DVD curriculums designed for those serious about their faith.
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September 4, 2020
Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why it Matters is a book by Sandra Richter probing the question of whether a Christian can or should be an environmentalist. Richter answers with a clear yes to both questions and she takes care to argue her point well. In order to say Christians should care about stewarding God’s Creation, we need decide whether scripture talks about this issue systematically, or is it relegated to a “marginal representation in the text via the particularities of situational ethics?” (p106) in order to show care for Creation is a clear and consistent call for humanity, Richter shows scripture speaking in a variety of different ways on this topic. Creation is God’s blueprint, we are renters not landlords of the earth, the animals entrusted to humanity, the wild creatures entrusted to humanity, the limits during war, care for the widow and orphan, and in the New Testament. Each of these is given a chapter which I will outline below.
Each of the seven chapters in the book contains an exposition of what scripture teaches and all except the first and last contain a case study about how our neglect of this principle or idea has had devastating consequences for humanity and animals.
Chapter 1 – Creation as God’s Blueprint gives us an exposition of God’s Creation, but she also shows us how the devastating consequences of the fall effect God’s creation as well, something Romans 8:21 speaks of. We often understand well the ravaging effects Sin has on humanity, but we have rarely reflected on the effects Sin has on Creation.
Chapter 2 – The People of the Old Covenant and Their Landlord has Richter asking us to consider which is a better understanding of our relationship to Creation: are we renters or landlords? As Richter shows, we are not the owners of our land. The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it. God graciously gives the land to us and provides for us from it, but we are not owners of the land. This is clearly illustrated by the giving of the land to the Israelite’s. God is clear that the land is a gift and they are stewards, not owners. If the Israelite’s failed to remember this, then they would be evicted out of the land. Because the Israelite’s are tenants of the land, they are required to practice sustainable agricultural laws. The land is required to lie fallow once every 7 years, which prohibits the maximum crops being gotten from the land, but it also means the land will produce for generations to come. The Israelite’s are required to take a long-term view of the land if they are to live there.
Sandra Richter looks at the case study of agriculture in the Punjab region of India as an example of agriculture which is not sustainable. The once lush and fertile region of India is headed for a collapse and could be barren within 10-15 years because of the people of India’s shortsightedness and trying to maximize the crops they could produce in the short term.
Chapter 3 – The Domestic Creatures Entrusted to Humanity shows that God clearly cares for animals and that part of humanities job is to be merciful and care for the animals even when the humans themselves are hungry. Humans can kill animals to eat them, but they must first take them to a priest, thereby limiting any unnecessary cruelty in animal death. Humans also are to provide for the animals as they are working. Even though muzzling an ox while it was treading out the grain would cost the Israelite’s precious calories, God desired for them to still feed the animals anyways.
Against this picture of humanity caring for the animals under their care, Sandra Richter contrasts the horrible practice of factory farming. The descriptions given by Richter are tough to read and they show how far we have fallen from the restrictions of God’s good law.
Chapter 4 – The Wild Creatures Entrusted to Humanity looks at how God cares for the non-domesticated creatures and what our responsibility should be. God has designed a habitat for every wild creature which is unique for them. He has also forbidden us from killing off the means of life of an animal. Deut 22:6-7 provides a restriction on killing both the mother and her children, a restriction which allows for the animal to still be able to reproduce in the future.
The care for wild animals shown in scripture is contrasted with the ancient Assyrians who would hunt for pleasure and kill both mother and children of birds, but also with our hunting practices which have made many native species extinct or endangered. We are called to “conserve and protect, not exploit and abuse.” (p59)
Chapter 5 – Environmental Terrorism looks at the limits God placed on Israel during war with regards to the environment. Israel was forbidden from practicing total war and destroying the trees of the neighbor they were fighting against. This allows for the long-term productivity of a land to stay relatively stable, even during war.
Sandra Richter contrasts this with the surrounding cultures at the time who often boasted about cutting down trees during war. She also contrasts this with the US’s dropping of chemicals on Vietnam. The US has caused for certain lands to be uninhabitable and because of the chemicals dropped. Unlike in Israel, where “the abuse of the land was forbidden – whether for the sake of economics or even for national defense.” (p66), the US abused the land for our own national defense.
Chapter 6 – The Widow and the Orphan shows that God cares and provides for the orphan and the widow. While this may seem a strange inclusion in a book about the environment, Richter shows how God planned to provide for the marginalized through the gleaning laws and also how the neglect of the environment has devastating effects which hits the marginalized the hardest.
She shows this clearly with her contemporary example of mountaintop coal removal. Not only is it destructive to the mountain, plants, and animals, the people living and working in the surrounding villages are also affected in tragic ways. The water is poisoned and falling rocks occasionally kill small children. The marginalized aren’t cared for in our current mining practices.
Chapter 7 – The People of the New Covenant and Our Landlord is an examination of the relevant NT texts which speak about either the resurrection of Creation or the destruction of Creation. When scripture speaks about the destruction of the world, as in 2 Peter 3:10-13, the destruction is an example of apocalyptic literature and isn’t supposed to be taken literally. Instead, a series of metaphors is being used to describe a reality unlike anything else in our world. We do not then have license to use Creation as we can in order to save all the souls we can. On top of hurting the people living in future generations, as her first 6 chapters have outlined, it is also bad exegesis.
Sandra Richter’s understanding of our usage of Creation can be summed up by: “The Earth is the Lord’s and all it contains; you may make use of it in your need, but you shall not abuse it in your greed” (p108) The limits in Creation are for our good, and we are not to transgress them. Neither are we to value short term gain over long term health.
Before jumping into a more serious analysis of the book, I have to congratulate IVP on their book designs. Whatever you may think about any of their books, they know how to design an attractive book, and Stewards of Eden is no exception. The pages are nice, the cover is beautiful, and the beginning of each chapter is nicely done as well. Excellent job IVP.
Most of my positive thoughts can be gleaned from my summaries above. Sandra Richter is a clear communicator, though with some exceptions I will outline below. After reading Stewards of Eden the readers should be able to see how the bible, especially the Old Testament, speaks clearly about God’s care for Creation. The way the chapters are organized with a biblical exposition followed by a case study is powerful and shows both the goodness of God’s law as well as the sinful greed of mankind. She is able to highlight what happens when we do not steward the Creation we have been tasked over. Even though I was familiar with most of the case studies, they still were powerful and showed clearly the current state of caring for Creation in America and around the world and how far we fall short of God’s ideal.
Sandra Richter also clearly knows her ancient history. Stewards of Eden is chock full of interesting historical insight into the context of both ancient Israel and the surrounding cultures. Agricultural practices, warring conventions, laws, and much more is contained in this book. Showing us that God’s tithe command was required by hungry Israelite’s adds another level when thinking about what the Sabbath command means.
Sandra Richter is also clearly passionate about this book and the topic. She has spoken about it many times and devoted herself to caring for Creation in a way that puts most of us (certainly me) to shame.
Despite all of the excellent aspects of this book, I am not able to unreservedly recommend it to others. Stewards of Eden has two major flaws which I can see. The first is tonal inconsistency. I am not sure who this book is supposed to be read by. I assume from the discussion questions, the ease of reading, and the ready contemporary application that the average educated Christian is the target audience. And I think they could because Sandra Richter does an excellent job at communicating clearly both the scriptural witness and the contemporary situation. However, the book also includes transliterated Hebrew words and discussions of Suzerain vassal treaties, both of which require prior exposure to biblical studies to be informed of. A possible usage of Hebrew words instead of their English equivalents could be because the Hebrew words contained nuances and meanings the English words did not, and she wanted to capture the Hebrew meaning, not our English meaning. While she may have intended this nuance, the book did not explain the significance of the Hebrew words she used. An example of this comes from the beginning when she says, “On this day humanity (adam) is created in the image of God.” (p9 emphasis original). Unfortunately, saying adam is the Hebrew equivalent for our English humanity is all the explanation she gives for adam despite adam appearing in two chapter titles. Using humanity would have been simpler and I cannot see how anything is gained except confusion by her approach in this book. The same is true for the Suzerain vassal treaties. While interesting, I don’t know how much light they shed on a topic which is clear enough from the exposition she gives. The book is inconsistently academic and popular, which I suspect would limit her audience.
A second more serious problem is a theological one. Several times throughout the book she talks about the purpose of God’s redemption. Much of what she says is good and I would affirm, however she ends up depicting a goal of God’s redemption without Christ as the goal. Her understanding of God’s plan of redemption, including her understanding of our calling as Christians is deficient without Christ.
Let’s look at some examples of this misunderstanding. She says, “Our calling is to demonstrate with our lives “what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (p110 emphasis original) I would agree part of our role as Christians is to demonstrate what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect, but our calling is to be salt, light, and sheep among wolves. We are to point to God’s redeeming love for the world, not only to demonstrate what love is. We are always called to point to Christ and what He has done for us and who He is. That is our calling, and while this will include caring for creation, our calling must always first and foremost remain fixed on Christ.
“Yahweh’s world was a world in which there would never be hunger, homelessness, abuse, famine, genocide, or refugee camps. But as a result of the fall, all of these realities became resident on our planet. The ultimate objective of God’s great plan of redemption is to fix that” (p68) Once again Sandra Richter provides an excellent list of items I would affirm. The fall has caused all the horrors she mentioned, and God’s plan of redemption is to fix all that. The problem lies with the word ultimate. While I can readily affirm “an objective of God’s great plan of redemption is to fix that” I cannot affirm when the word ultimate is placed where it is. The ultimate plan of redemption is for all of Creation to be redeemed and restored to fellowship with God. The ultimate objective of God’s great plan of redemption was not merely free from the evils currently plaguing the earth but a more blessed existence than we can possibly dream of, one where we are both worshiping God as stewards of Creation but also by worshiping God more directly in songs, praise, and gazing at our beloved in His full glory.
The last and clearest example I will examine is when she says, “In sum, I am completely convinced that the redemption of all creation is the gospel.” (p111 emphasis original). Again, I would affirm the redemption of all creation is part of God’s plan and part of the gospel. The gospel however is the proclamation of good news that Jesus Christ has come, conquered death, overcome sin, defeated the devil, forgiven our sins, destroyed evil, will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and will, in short, undo all the devastating effects of Sin all by his free grace. The gospel must include Jesus, or it is no gospel at all. Despite all the fine things Sandra Richter says in Stewards of Eden, she has not managed to keep first things first, a flaw which unfortunately occurs throughout the book. I too share her wish that Christians would lead the way on caring for God’s creation, but in her zeal for this important topic, she has neglected the only true hope we can have of redemption, both for ourselves and of the cosmos.
Each of the seven chapters in the book contains an exposition of what scripture teaches and all except the first and last contain a case study about how our neglect of this principle or idea has had devastating consequences for humanity and animals.
Chapter 1 – Creation as God’s Blueprint gives us an exposition of God’s Creation, but she also shows us how the devastating consequences of the fall effect God’s creation as well, something Romans 8:21 speaks of. We often understand well the ravaging effects Sin has on humanity, but we have rarely reflected on the effects Sin has on Creation.
Chapter 2 – The People of the Old Covenant and Their Landlord has Richter asking us to consider which is a better understanding of our relationship to Creation: are we renters or landlords? As Richter shows, we are not the owners of our land. The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it. God graciously gives the land to us and provides for us from it, but we are not owners of the land. This is clearly illustrated by the giving of the land to the Israelite’s. God is clear that the land is a gift and they are stewards, not owners. If the Israelite’s failed to remember this, then they would be evicted out of the land. Because the Israelite’s are tenants of the land, they are required to practice sustainable agricultural laws. The land is required to lie fallow once every 7 years, which prohibits the maximum crops being gotten from the land, but it also means the land will produce for generations to come. The Israelite’s are required to take a long-term view of the land if they are to live there.
Sandra Richter looks at the case study of agriculture in the Punjab region of India as an example of agriculture which is not sustainable. The once lush and fertile region of India is headed for a collapse and could be barren within 10-15 years because of the people of India’s shortsightedness and trying to maximize the crops they could produce in the short term.
Chapter 3 – The Domestic Creatures Entrusted to Humanity shows that God clearly cares for animals and that part of humanities job is to be merciful and care for the animals even when the humans themselves are hungry. Humans can kill animals to eat them, but they must first take them to a priest, thereby limiting any unnecessary cruelty in animal death. Humans also are to provide for the animals as they are working. Even though muzzling an ox while it was treading out the grain would cost the Israelite’s precious calories, God desired for them to still feed the animals anyways.
Against this picture of humanity caring for the animals under their care, Sandra Richter contrasts the horrible practice of factory farming. The descriptions given by Richter are tough to read and they show how far we have fallen from the restrictions of God’s good law.
Chapter 4 – The Wild Creatures Entrusted to Humanity looks at how God cares for the non-domesticated creatures and what our responsibility should be. God has designed a habitat for every wild creature which is unique for them. He has also forbidden us from killing off the means of life of an animal. Deut 22:6-7 provides a restriction on killing both the mother and her children, a restriction which allows for the animal to still be able to reproduce in the future.
The care for wild animals shown in scripture is contrasted with the ancient Assyrians who would hunt for pleasure and kill both mother and children of birds, but also with our hunting practices which have made many native species extinct or endangered. We are called to “conserve and protect, not exploit and abuse.” (p59)
Chapter 5 – Environmental Terrorism looks at the limits God placed on Israel during war with regards to the environment. Israel was forbidden from practicing total war and destroying the trees of the neighbor they were fighting against. This allows for the long-term productivity of a land to stay relatively stable, even during war.
Sandra Richter contrasts this with the surrounding cultures at the time who often boasted about cutting down trees during war. She also contrasts this with the US’s dropping of chemicals on Vietnam. The US has caused for certain lands to be uninhabitable and because of the chemicals dropped. Unlike in Israel, where “the abuse of the land was forbidden – whether for the sake of economics or even for national defense.” (p66), the US abused the land for our own national defense.
Chapter 6 – The Widow and the Orphan shows that God cares and provides for the orphan and the widow. While this may seem a strange inclusion in a book about the environment, Richter shows how God planned to provide for the marginalized through the gleaning laws and also how the neglect of the environment has devastating effects which hits the marginalized the hardest.
She shows this clearly with her contemporary example of mountaintop coal removal. Not only is it destructive to the mountain, plants, and animals, the people living and working in the surrounding villages are also affected in tragic ways. The water is poisoned and falling rocks occasionally kill small children. The marginalized aren’t cared for in our current mining practices.
Chapter 7 – The People of the New Covenant and Our Landlord is an examination of the relevant NT texts which speak about either the resurrection of Creation or the destruction of Creation. When scripture speaks about the destruction of the world, as in 2 Peter 3:10-13, the destruction is an example of apocalyptic literature and isn’t supposed to be taken literally. Instead, a series of metaphors is being used to describe a reality unlike anything else in our world. We do not then have license to use Creation as we can in order to save all the souls we can. On top of hurting the people living in future generations, as her first 6 chapters have outlined, it is also bad exegesis.
Sandra Richter’s understanding of our usage of Creation can be summed up by: “The Earth is the Lord’s and all it contains; you may make use of it in your need, but you shall not abuse it in your greed” (p108) The limits in Creation are for our good, and we are not to transgress them. Neither are we to value short term gain over long term health.
Before jumping into a more serious analysis of the book, I have to congratulate IVP on their book designs. Whatever you may think about any of their books, they know how to design an attractive book, and Stewards of Eden is no exception. The pages are nice, the cover is beautiful, and the beginning of each chapter is nicely done as well. Excellent job IVP.
Most of my positive thoughts can be gleaned from my summaries above. Sandra Richter is a clear communicator, though with some exceptions I will outline below. After reading Stewards of Eden the readers should be able to see how the bible, especially the Old Testament, speaks clearly about God’s care for Creation. The way the chapters are organized with a biblical exposition followed by a case study is powerful and shows both the goodness of God’s law as well as the sinful greed of mankind. She is able to highlight what happens when we do not steward the Creation we have been tasked over. Even though I was familiar with most of the case studies, they still were powerful and showed clearly the current state of caring for Creation in America and around the world and how far we fall short of God’s ideal.
Sandra Richter also clearly knows her ancient history. Stewards of Eden is chock full of interesting historical insight into the context of both ancient Israel and the surrounding cultures. Agricultural practices, warring conventions, laws, and much more is contained in this book. Showing us that God’s tithe command was required by hungry Israelite’s adds another level when thinking about what the Sabbath command means.
Sandra Richter is also clearly passionate about this book and the topic. She has spoken about it many times and devoted herself to caring for Creation in a way that puts most of us (certainly me) to shame.
Despite all of the excellent aspects of this book, I am not able to unreservedly recommend it to others. Stewards of Eden has two major flaws which I can see. The first is tonal inconsistency. I am not sure who this book is supposed to be read by. I assume from the discussion questions, the ease of reading, and the ready contemporary application that the average educated Christian is the target audience. And I think they could because Sandra Richter does an excellent job at communicating clearly both the scriptural witness and the contemporary situation. However, the book also includes transliterated Hebrew words and discussions of Suzerain vassal treaties, both of which require prior exposure to biblical studies to be informed of. A possible usage of Hebrew words instead of their English equivalents could be because the Hebrew words contained nuances and meanings the English words did not, and she wanted to capture the Hebrew meaning, not our English meaning. While she may have intended this nuance, the book did not explain the significance of the Hebrew words she used. An example of this comes from the beginning when she says, “On this day humanity (adam) is created in the image of God.” (p9 emphasis original). Unfortunately, saying adam is the Hebrew equivalent for our English humanity is all the explanation she gives for adam despite adam appearing in two chapter titles. Using humanity would have been simpler and I cannot see how anything is gained except confusion by her approach in this book. The same is true for the Suzerain vassal treaties. While interesting, I don’t know how much light they shed on a topic which is clear enough from the exposition she gives. The book is inconsistently academic and popular, which I suspect would limit her audience.
A second more serious problem is a theological one. Several times throughout the book she talks about the purpose of God’s redemption. Much of what she says is good and I would affirm, however she ends up depicting a goal of God’s redemption without Christ as the goal. Her understanding of God’s plan of redemption, including her understanding of our calling as Christians is deficient without Christ.
Let’s look at some examples of this misunderstanding. She says, “Our calling is to demonstrate with our lives “what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (p110 emphasis original) I would agree part of our role as Christians is to demonstrate what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect, but our calling is to be salt, light, and sheep among wolves. We are to point to God’s redeeming love for the world, not only to demonstrate what love is. We are always called to point to Christ and what He has done for us and who He is. That is our calling, and while this will include caring for creation, our calling must always first and foremost remain fixed on Christ.
“Yahweh’s world was a world in which there would never be hunger, homelessness, abuse, famine, genocide, or refugee camps. But as a result of the fall, all of these realities became resident on our planet. The ultimate objective of God’s great plan of redemption is to fix that” (p68) Once again Sandra Richter provides an excellent list of items I would affirm. The fall has caused all the horrors she mentioned, and God’s plan of redemption is to fix all that. The problem lies with the word ultimate. While I can readily affirm “an objective of God’s great plan of redemption is to fix that” I cannot affirm when the word ultimate is placed where it is. The ultimate plan of redemption is for all of Creation to be redeemed and restored to fellowship with God. The ultimate objective of God’s great plan of redemption was not merely free from the evils currently plaguing the earth but a more blessed existence than we can possibly dream of, one where we are both worshiping God as stewards of Creation but also by worshiping God more directly in songs, praise, and gazing at our beloved in His full glory.
The last and clearest example I will examine is when she says, “In sum, I am completely convinced that the redemption of all creation is the gospel.” (p111 emphasis original). Again, I would affirm the redemption of all creation is part of God’s plan and part of the gospel. The gospel however is the proclamation of good news that Jesus Christ has come, conquered death, overcome sin, defeated the devil, forgiven our sins, destroyed evil, will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and will, in short, undo all the devastating effects of Sin all by his free grace. The gospel must include Jesus, or it is no gospel at all. Despite all the fine things Sandra Richter says in Stewards of Eden, she has not managed to keep first things first, a flaw which unfortunately occurs throughout the book. I too share her wish that Christians would lead the way on caring for God’s creation, but in her zeal for this important topic, she has neglected the only true hope we can have of redemption, both for ourselves and of the cosmos.
May 2, 2020
Can a Christian be an environmentalist? Even more pointedly, is it possible for Bible-believe, Christ-loving, God-fearing people to be serious about the creation and environment? Sandra L. Richter, author, a member of the Committee for Biblical Translation for the NIV and who holds the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, gives a resounding “yes” to that question. And her newly published 158-page paperback, “Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says about the Environment and Why It Matters,” printed on sustainably sourced paper, builds the case to back her “yes”. This volume is written for congregants and clerics alike, and is encased in Scripture, scholarship, and statistics.
Richter runs from protology (first things) to eschatology (final things) between these covers, to build a strong case that creation is not a discardable resource in God’s scheme. She investigates the garden of Eden, walks through the Mosaic Law, listens to Job, shows how the New Testament does not teach the annihilation of Creation but its resurrection, and ends in the new heavens and new earth. As the author lopes along through the biblical epochs, she brings her readers detailed information from outside the Scripture, some from the Ancient Near East and archaeological studies, and some from Appalachia. Richter is not afraid to address what she feels are horrendous practices in coal mining, poultry production, dairy farming, and more. As she notes, “I am completely convinced that the redemption of all creation is the gospel. Therefore, creation care is not merely a message of social justice, a wise approach to life on this planet, or a political action item. It is instead a life posture that reflects the character of God and embodies the telos of his plan” (111-2).
As an activist book, it is short on carefully thought out ways to bring changes that will keep economies and employment from imploding. Yet, of all my beefs with the book, my greatest is the elevating of one more item with “the gospel”. I agree that Christ’s redemptive work has cosmic implications, which she beautifully brings out in pages 100 through 104, and I have written about in “Gnostic Trends in the Local Church”. But to make it a matter of “holiness and social justice” (1), and to wrap it up as a gospel issue, makes me go a bit cold. Further, like so many other activist-driven issues, making this subject a principle area where the Church needs to move into the driver’s seat, and if the Church doesn’t it is MIA (1, 87-9), causes me some serious concern. So many “issues” are deeply important, such as human trafficking, sex trafficking, abortion, education, racism, and so forth. Each have activists who want to make their concern the chief concern of the Church. And though each problem is important and needs to be meaningfully addressed “as we have opportunity” (Galatians 6:10), none of them can take over the driving purpose of Christ’s Church.
The main strength of “Stewards of Eden” is the building a biblical case for the importance and value of creation and bringing out the ways Scripture shows this from protology to eschatology. The author has also, rightly, challenged the political loyalties that often get played on in this area. Whether we meaningfully care for the environment is not a Republican-Democrat, Liberal-Conservative divide, and should not have ever been. It is a subject we, as humans permanently tied to creation and who are part of creation, should care about. And, as Christians who take God and his Scriptures seriously, should be concerned with.
“Stewards of Eden” is a worthwhile read, especially for Christians of all stripes. It is important to shelve our political allegiances, read the book, listen, think and address the topic thoughtfully and practically. Richter has added some suggestions at the end of the book to help folks as they consider their next steps. Even with my stated and unstated beefs with the manuscript, it is a book I recommend.
Many thanks to IVP Academic. I requested the book to review, and they happily sent it without any strings or chains attached. Therefore, this appraisal is all mine, given without duress.
Richter runs from protology (first things) to eschatology (final things) between these covers, to build a strong case that creation is not a discardable resource in God’s scheme. She investigates the garden of Eden, walks through the Mosaic Law, listens to Job, shows how the New Testament does not teach the annihilation of Creation but its resurrection, and ends in the new heavens and new earth. As the author lopes along through the biblical epochs, she brings her readers detailed information from outside the Scripture, some from the Ancient Near East and archaeological studies, and some from Appalachia. Richter is not afraid to address what she feels are horrendous practices in coal mining, poultry production, dairy farming, and more. As she notes, “I am completely convinced that the redemption of all creation is the gospel. Therefore, creation care is not merely a message of social justice, a wise approach to life on this planet, or a political action item. It is instead a life posture that reflects the character of God and embodies the telos of his plan” (111-2).
As an activist book, it is short on carefully thought out ways to bring changes that will keep economies and employment from imploding. Yet, of all my beefs with the book, my greatest is the elevating of one more item with “the gospel”. I agree that Christ’s redemptive work has cosmic implications, which she beautifully brings out in pages 100 through 104, and I have written about in “Gnostic Trends in the Local Church”. But to make it a matter of “holiness and social justice” (1), and to wrap it up as a gospel issue, makes me go a bit cold. Further, like so many other activist-driven issues, making this subject a principle area where the Church needs to move into the driver’s seat, and if the Church doesn’t it is MIA (1, 87-9), causes me some serious concern. So many “issues” are deeply important, such as human trafficking, sex trafficking, abortion, education, racism, and so forth. Each have activists who want to make their concern the chief concern of the Church. And though each problem is important and needs to be meaningfully addressed “as we have opportunity” (Galatians 6:10), none of them can take over the driving purpose of Christ’s Church.
The main strength of “Stewards of Eden” is the building a biblical case for the importance and value of creation and bringing out the ways Scripture shows this from protology to eschatology. The author has also, rightly, challenged the political loyalties that often get played on in this area. Whether we meaningfully care for the environment is not a Republican-Democrat, Liberal-Conservative divide, and should not have ever been. It is a subject we, as humans permanently tied to creation and who are part of creation, should care about. And, as Christians who take God and his Scriptures seriously, should be concerned with.
“Stewards of Eden” is a worthwhile read, especially for Christians of all stripes. It is important to shelve our political allegiances, read the book, listen, think and address the topic thoughtfully and practically. Richter has added some suggestions at the end of the book to help folks as they consider their next steps. Even with my stated and unstated beefs with the manuscript, it is a book I recommend.
Many thanks to IVP Academic. I requested the book to review, and they happily sent it without any strings or chains attached. Therefore, this appraisal is all mine, given without duress.
May 3, 2021
This is a smart book by a smart writer. As an Old Testament scholar, Sandra L. Richter walks through the principles of creation care found in Scripture for an American conservative evangelical audience. It is a smart book from the theological side--indeed, I really wish that there was more of her research and discoveries about the ecology and economy of ancient Israel and her neighbours. For me, this was one of the key parts of the book--and I was drawn to this book by an OnScript podcast where she sets up that discussion (https://open.spotify.com/episode/0qYi...).
It is also a smart book in its audience. To be truly effective in environmental stewardship in the US, activists are going to find themselves working with local farmers, fishers and hunters, cottages, small landholders, woodsmen, those who have been most harmed by environmental destruction (the poor and the disenfranchised), and the people who manage, land, water, and air quality and usage. These are deeply conservative communities, typically--though not always Christian and not always the same kind of conservative. For there to be true change in the environmental stewardship in the planet, it will take more than global political promises, liberal shame, and progressive activism. This book could be a resource for creating new kinds of partnerships.
This is a solid resource for church and community leaders looking to do a book study or learning biblical principles for practicing neighbourly love where our neighbourhoods are under climate threat. Non-Americans and people with more specific goals can easily reshape Richter's resource list and questions at the end of the chapters and in the appendix. For those looking to dig deeper on the biblical and theological side and to understand how she is using Old Testament principles as relevant in our contexts though not laying down Israel's law for today, see Sandra L. Richter's Epic of Eden.
It is also a smart book in its audience. To be truly effective in environmental stewardship in the US, activists are going to find themselves working with local farmers, fishers and hunters, cottages, small landholders, woodsmen, those who have been most harmed by environmental destruction (the poor and the disenfranchised), and the people who manage, land, water, and air quality and usage. These are deeply conservative communities, typically--though not always Christian and not always the same kind of conservative. For there to be true change in the environmental stewardship in the planet, it will take more than global political promises, liberal shame, and progressive activism. This book could be a resource for creating new kinds of partnerships.
This is a solid resource for church and community leaders looking to do a book study or learning biblical principles for practicing neighbourly love where our neighbourhoods are under climate threat. Non-Americans and people with more specific goals can easily reshape Richter's resource list and questions at the end of the chapters and in the appendix. For those looking to dig deeper on the biblical and theological side and to understand how she is using Old Testament principles as relevant in our contexts though not laying down Israel's law for today, see Sandra L. Richter's Epic of Eden.
June 28, 2024
3.5 stars. This book was an exceptional introduction to the importance of creation care and the theological basis of it. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to start understanding a little bit more about how we ought to steward and care for the world that has been entrusted to us. Additionally, I loved how she emphasized that care of the environment directly translates to care of our fellow man.
March 14, 2022
This book is passionate, clear and straightforward. Richter is not wasting anyone’s time here. More than once she says something to the effect of “may I just say it upfront”. I loved it. She shows how the Bible, especially the OT, and Christian theology inform environmental concerns – how this has always been close to God’s heart. We just haven’t always known it (or wanted to know it). It is very practical as well. It reads as popular level book that is nevertheless informed by serious scholarly work.
One thing that annoyed me (the only thing really) was that she kept plugging in her “The Epic of Eden”. I was like “yes, I know you wrote that other book as well. Stop reminding me. I will get to it in due time”. But maybe I am reading this all wrong. Perhaps it’s simply teacher instincts kicking in (“remember class, as we discussed last week”), and not so much self-promotion. Even if not the case, is self-promotion necessarily bad?
In any case, I basically read this book in one sitting. Really enjoyed it.
One thing that annoyed me (the only thing really) was that she kept plugging in her “The Epic of Eden”. I was like “yes, I know you wrote that other book as well. Stop reminding me. I will get to it in due time”. But maybe I am reading this all wrong. Perhaps it’s simply teacher instincts kicking in (“remember class, as we discussed last week”), and not so much self-promotion. Even if not the case, is self-promotion necessarily bad?
In any case, I basically read this book in one sitting. Really enjoyed it.
November 7, 2022
This book walks through Israelite law in contrast to the way that we live our lives today—totally removed from the moral responsibility of ethical livestock and farming practices. Israelites were commanded to offer the first fruits of their harvest, maintain the land so that it would be fertile for generations to come, and treat animals with dignity and compassion, even when they were being led to slaughter.
Living sustainable lives that honor the land and lives of animals was no easier for Israel than it is for us today. Caring for the earth is NOT a political issue; it’s a matter of stewarding what God has given to us in a way that prioritizes preserving the land over economic growth.
Living sustainable lives that honor the land and lives of animals was no easier for Israel than it is for us today. Caring for the earth is NOT a political issue; it’s a matter of stewarding what God has given to us in a way that prioritizes preserving the land over economic growth.
June 5, 2025
God's original assignment, to be Stewards of Eden, was directly given to those in His image in Genesis 2. The fall produced both the brokenness of humanity & the brokenness of Eden. All of creation (the land included) waits for ultimate redemption. In all honesty, this book was eye opening (esp. the case studies), and I loved how rooted in scripture it is - big connection to the agricultural laws instilled in Deuteronomy. I learned more about gleaning, fallowing (allowing the land to rest), long term productivity, and the sacrifice of the best. It was very fun to see parallels with Scouting the Divine. I still have questions, mostly about the logical capacity of it all, but ultimately the Word knows best. One qualm: A lot of big call to action talk, which can be so important, but also our own minuscule efforts are not for nothing. Love you, earth.
I promise that though there is a touch on "politics" in the synopsis, this book really is for all parties of people wanting to learn more about what scripture says about caring for the earth. I never really thought she went deep into political ideologies, which I was apprehensive about prior to reading (& you can trust me on that).
"God owns the land, and it is humanity's privilege to live on it. [...] God's people were renters, not landlords" (17).
On the sacrifice of first-fruits: "to give the 'first' away is a sign of both great sacrifice and profound confidence, sacrifice in that the farmer and his family have waited a long time for that first lamb or tomato, and confidence that they have no real assurance, outside their trust in God, that a 'second' is coming" (19).
"creation has been unable to attain the purpose for which it was created. Why? Because [...] (the cultivatable soil) was subjected to ineffectiveness because of the rebellion of [Adam]. God's chosen steward failed in his appointed task, and so the creation over which he had authority was trapped within the self-defeating cycle of humanity's rebellion" (101).
"Gleaning laws (which command leaving a portion of the field to the marginalized) also contribute to sustainability. The unharvested portion of the crop ensures something agriculturalists speak of as 'crop residue,' which provides essential humus to the soil" (23). Logical.
I promise that though there is a touch on "politics" in the synopsis, this book really is for all parties of people wanting to learn more about what scripture says about caring for the earth. I never really thought she went deep into political ideologies, which I was apprehensive about prior to reading (& you can trust me on that).
"God owns the land, and it is humanity's privilege to live on it. [...] God's people were renters, not landlords" (17).
On the sacrifice of first-fruits: "to give the 'first' away is a sign of both great sacrifice and profound confidence, sacrifice in that the farmer and his family have waited a long time for that first lamb or tomato, and confidence that they have no real assurance, outside their trust in God, that a 'second' is coming" (19).
"creation has been unable to attain the purpose for which it was created. Why? Because [...] (the cultivatable soil) was subjected to ineffectiveness because of the rebellion of [Adam]. God's chosen steward failed in his appointed task, and so the creation over which he had authority was trapped within the self-defeating cycle of humanity's rebellion" (101).
"Gleaning laws (which command leaving a portion of the field to the marginalized) also contribute to sustainability. The unharvested portion of the crop ensures something agriculturalists speak of as 'crop residue,' which provides essential humus to the soil" (23). Logical.
January 13, 2025
Richter's short book on stewardship should be required reading for Christians alongside more frequent readings of Deuteronomy. Richter's OT scholarship enables her to open the text of the Bible in order to enflesh what it means to be stewards of the world. I found it helpful to push the conception of land stewardship towards an understanding of a "land grant" by God. I am responsible for my actions and inactions during my day to day life. Indeed, part of those obligations to God is my posture towards the land/water and the worlds' creatures. "A righteous man has regard for his beast, " Proverbs 12:10a.
Richter discusses the implications and obligations we should feel towards' God's creation--fellow humans, land, water, and its' creatures. Unfortunately, the church, and myself, has largely neglected the books of the law for guidance. What I found striking was the emphasis on future generations; God forbids the Israelites certain actions that while would be expedient to win a war (e.g. scorching fields/fruit trees). For many, Richter can be a helpful introduction to seemingly archaic writings that on the surface appears little applicable to our day, but are beyond fruitful to provide insights into the heart of God for his people and world. Personally, I did not feel like I needed to agree 100% with all of Richter's conclusions on specific implications and needed actions. But the book shook some previously held beliefs.
This book prompted me to reread Deuteronomy; Deuteronomy was the real star, and perhaps why I gave Richter's book 5 stars. I was struck at the tone of celebration that I have always missed in previous readings. We are to be serious about celebrating and expressing gratitude. I will continue to chew on that and make incremental, sustainable changes to our family life and culture.
Richter discusses the implications and obligations we should feel towards' God's creation--fellow humans, land, water, and its' creatures. Unfortunately, the church, and myself, has largely neglected the books of the law for guidance. What I found striking was the emphasis on future generations; God forbids the Israelites certain actions that while would be expedient to win a war (e.g. scorching fields/fruit trees). For many, Richter can be a helpful introduction to seemingly archaic writings that on the surface appears little applicable to our day, but are beyond fruitful to provide insights into the heart of God for his people and world. Personally, I did not feel like I needed to agree 100% with all of Richter's conclusions on specific implications and needed actions. But the book shook some previously held beliefs.
This book prompted me to reread Deuteronomy; Deuteronomy was the real star, and perhaps why I gave Richter's book 5 stars. I was struck at the tone of celebration that I have always missed in previous readings. We are to be serious about celebrating and expressing gratitude. I will continue to chew on that and make incremental, sustainable changes to our family life and culture.
March 15, 2020
“This book is my contribution to exposing and uprooting these misconceptions that have rendered the church silent on a critical concern.” - From “Stewards Of Eden” by Sandra L. Richter
“Stewards of Eden, by Sandra L. Richter, is an amazing book which unpacks the major ways our environment suffers and then what the Bible has to say about each. She then gives an example of the damage being done and ways in which we can help course correct.
“As any organic farmer would tell us, and as the history of urbanisation in Mesopotamia dramatically illustrates, the continuous cultivation of a single crop in the same field depletes the soil of nutrients and encourages the proliferation of pests and diseases specific to that particular crop.” - From “Stewards Of Eden” by Sandra L. Richter
The Biblical study alone is fascinating and moving. Sandra carefully creates a narrative of God’s view of the world from creation to the Second Coming. She explains the context of the verses which relate to our environment by digging into history and cultural practices.
“What most of us do not realise is that environmental degradation strikes those on the margins first. It is the subsistence farmer and the poor who pay the highest price for any society’s failure to utilise land in a sustainable fashion.” - From “Stewards Of Eden” by Sandra L. Richter
The scientific explanation of the damage humans have done and continue to do is well-reasoned and compelling. I am passionate about the environment and still learnt a huge amount. The examples are heart-breaking and distressing, particularly those relating to the harm we are doing to animals.
Sandra gives practical ways we can, in our daily lives, engage with this world crisis and make a difference, It is so empowering and encouraging to be able to do something! I’m am so excited to see a book in the world calling Christians to action to protect our Eden.
I highly recommend “Stewards of Eden”, it’s elegantly written, insightful and so important. It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale,
“Stewards of Eden, by Sandra L. Richter, is an amazing book which unpacks the major ways our environment suffers and then what the Bible has to say about each. She then gives an example of the damage being done and ways in which we can help course correct.
“As any organic farmer would tell us, and as the history of urbanisation in Mesopotamia dramatically illustrates, the continuous cultivation of a single crop in the same field depletes the soil of nutrients and encourages the proliferation of pests and diseases specific to that particular crop.” - From “Stewards Of Eden” by Sandra L. Richter
The Biblical study alone is fascinating and moving. Sandra carefully creates a narrative of God’s view of the world from creation to the Second Coming. She explains the context of the verses which relate to our environment by digging into history and cultural practices.
“What most of us do not realise is that environmental degradation strikes those on the margins first. It is the subsistence farmer and the poor who pay the highest price for any society’s failure to utilise land in a sustainable fashion.” - From “Stewards Of Eden” by Sandra L. Richter
The scientific explanation of the damage humans have done and continue to do is well-reasoned and compelling. I am passionate about the environment and still learnt a huge amount. The examples are heart-breaking and distressing, particularly those relating to the harm we are doing to animals.
Sandra gives practical ways we can, in our daily lives, engage with this world crisis and make a difference, It is so empowering and encouraging to be able to do something! I’m am so excited to see a book in the world calling Christians to action to protect our Eden.
I highly recommend “Stewards of Eden”, it’s elegantly written, insightful and so important. It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale,
February 4, 2023
I have loved everything Sandra has written and communicated. A thoughtful Bible scholar that is consistent in biblical interpretation.
May 1, 2023
Great book! The church needs voices like this to speak out and wake us up from our apathy. Richter does an excellent job of arguing that God calls Christians to sustainability which affects all different areas of our lives, from what we eat, to what we buy, to how we vote, to how we make war. Richter does this by Scriptural exegesis followed by real life examples of breaches in God’s commandment to sustainability. The chapter on factory farming was particularly moving for how both people and animals are affected. The book even has a helpful appendix on practical things Christians can do to help. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian.
January 1, 2024
An excellent introduction to agrarian theology. Honestly, it's one of the most approachable (and nice and short) books in this emerging field. I would thoroughly recommend it to any urban evangelical as a first exposure to the biblical theology of creation care. I would like to extend this recommendation to everyone however I can't quite do so as some of her tone and vocabulary might make some rural readers skeptical.
February 12, 2023
Eine kleine, leichte und praktische Einführung in das Thema Nachhaltigkeit/Umweltbewusstsein in der Bibel. Besonders für fromme Leserinnen und Leser geeignet.
January 28, 2024
Read this for one of my classes. Super well written and short. Very convicting and made me think about how Christianity intersects and even calls for creation care.
February 27, 2024
I was tearful reading this! Dr. Richter has written an essential introduction to a theology of creation care, highlighting how understanding a biblical view of the environment from Israel’s perspective is key in understanding our own faith and practically caring for our neighbors. Highly, highly recommend to anyone and everyone. This is why I’m in environmental health! Sandra gets it!
November 6, 2022
Sandra Richter is an able Old Testament interpreter and an effective communicator. In this book, the two skills combine to produce a compelling case for creation care as an important facet of biblical ethics. She effectively dispels the myth that concern for the environment belongs exclusively to left-wing political parties.
Richter reaches deep into the Old Testament to examine oft-overlooked passages and draw out principles for conservation of the environment and humane treatment for the animals placed in our care. She brings this home to the modern era by highlighting specific examples of Western culture's abuse of God's creation, such as failure to let fields lie fallow on occasion, the elimination of the Mississippi Delta's native plant and wildlife to make room for urban development and monoculture farming, and the breeding of chickens to have oversized breasts that lead to severe health complications.
Richter also does a good job of situating environmental ethics within the broader narrative of Scripture. Her treatment of Genesis 1-3 and Romans 8 are quite good. She does very well at dealing with apocalyptic texts that seem to suggest the whole earth is eventually going to be destroyed and replaced.
I have a few small quibbles. For one, I think there are times when her rhetoric borders on full anthropomorphization of animals. This is a small point -- by no means does the author actually place humans and animals on the same level. My other quibble is the way she at times blurs the distinction between Christians acting as morally redeemed individuals and the institutional Church acting in an activist role. The latter is, I think, the proper application of all this. However, based on the case she makes, I think it's fair to say a number of issues end up in a gray area between the need for individual or institutional action.
A few more miscellaneous notes: Each chapter ends with discussion questions, many of which are rather thought-provoking. I appreciated her citations of Douglas Moo and Meredith Kline. I was surprised to see her mention Mississippi so many times. I was also surprised to note her apparent liking for the NASB. Also, given my own exegetical convictions, I couldn't help but squirm on the couple of occasions she mentioned her own sermons or preaching engagements.
On the whole, this is a very helpful book, especially given its length. I would certainly recommend it to anybody who is tempted to think (as I was) that environmental concerns belong to the distant periphery of biblical ethics.
Richter reaches deep into the Old Testament to examine oft-overlooked passages and draw out principles for conservation of the environment and humane treatment for the animals placed in our care. She brings this home to the modern era by highlighting specific examples of Western culture's abuse of God's creation, such as failure to let fields lie fallow on occasion, the elimination of the Mississippi Delta's native plant and wildlife to make room for urban development and monoculture farming, and the breeding of chickens to have oversized breasts that lead to severe health complications.
Richter also does a good job of situating environmental ethics within the broader narrative of Scripture. Her treatment of Genesis 1-3 and Romans 8 are quite good. She does very well at dealing with apocalyptic texts that seem to suggest the whole earth is eventually going to be destroyed and replaced.
I have a few small quibbles. For one, I think there are times when her rhetoric borders on full anthropomorphization of animals. This is a small point -- by no means does the author actually place humans and animals on the same level. My other quibble is the way she at times blurs the distinction between Christians acting as morally redeemed individuals and the institutional Church acting in an activist role. The latter is, I think, the proper application of all this. However, based on the case she makes, I think it's fair to say a number of issues end up in a gray area between the need for individual or institutional action.
A few more miscellaneous notes: Each chapter ends with discussion questions, many of which are rather thought-provoking. I appreciated her citations of Douglas Moo and Meredith Kline. I was surprised to see her mention Mississippi so many times. I was also surprised to note her apparent liking for the NASB. Also, given my own exegetical convictions, I couldn't help but squirm on the couple of occasions she mentioned her own sermons or preaching engagements.
On the whole, this is a very helpful book, especially given its length. I would certainly recommend it to anybody who is tempted to think (as I was) that environmental concerns belong to the distant periphery of biblical ethics.
May 9, 2020
A tour de force.
Richter's biblical exposition is deep, informed by a solid understanding of ancient Near Eastern culture and languages. She marries these insights with poignant contemporary case studies, resulting in a prophetic word to our generation. This would be a great book for a book club, small group, or Bible study. A short book that packs a punch. Do your grandchildren a favor and read it.
Richter's biblical exposition is deep, informed by a solid understanding of ancient Near Eastern culture and languages. She marries these insights with poignant contemporary case studies, resulting in a prophetic word to our generation. This would be a great book for a book club, small group, or Bible study. A short book that packs a punch. Do your grandchildren a favor and read it.
June 11, 2021
Sandra Richter convincingly communicates how humanity was created to be stewards of the land and not to use the land. Part of being a steward is protecting what we have been given. Richter writes: “Can and Christian be an environmentalist? My answer is this, how could a son of Adam or a daughter of Eve, redeemed and transformed by the second Adam to live eternally in the resurrected Eden, be anything else.”
July 28, 2022
Very interesting book about the Christian’s response, role, and responsibilities regarding environmentalism. I like how it was biblically based, and approached the subject from a positive angle, recognizing the politics involved, and yet, without holding to a political stance.
Very appropriate for our times, as well as enlightening, as this subject is rarely discussed at length in these parameters.
Very appropriate for our times, as well as enlightening, as this subject is rarely discussed at length in these parameters.
March 11, 2023
Simple, and short, but provocative. Richter doesn't go into deep analysis; this seems more a companion to, or even Cliff Notes version, of her study "Edict of Eden." Despite the brevity, however, it is an uncomfortable read, and opens up a myriad of questions regarding Christianity and stewardship/conversation. These questions are worth pursuing in great detail, worth finding lasting and biblically true answers.
June 21, 2022
Recommended reading for Christian educators, for Environmental Science teachers & students, for churches who would like to be more involved in stewardship/creation care ministry - Richter balances the philosophy of OT & NT scripture with relevant case studies.
November 17, 2020
This is a wonderful little short book that quickly surveys the Bible’s teaching on humanity’s God-given responsibility as stewards of earth. At the end is an excellent appendix with suggestions on how to be more involved in your local area for promoting environmental creation care. So, why only three stars?
Well, as is the theme with many books I’ve reviewed, this material is stretching to reach the 118 page mark. Much of the actual commentary can be condensed to about 50 pages. However, for such a breadth of topic, this book is remarkably sparse. Richter covers Biblical exegesis of both Testaments, factory farming, mining, deforestation, and the environmental consequences of the Vietnam war - each of which is deserving of a book unto itself. Noticeably absent? Planetary climate change. This to me is the real sinker. How can anyone write a book on environmentalism in the 21st century and not devote significant attention to planetary climate change, which may legitimately be the greatest existential threat to the human race? Richter mentions climate change only in passing in a a single sentence (if I recall). As many know, climate change is a threat multiplier. All of the problems discussed in this short book are magnified ten-fold (or more!). As a single example, forced urbanization is given quite a bit of airtime in this book but primarily in the context of agricultural collapse and sale of family farms; forced urbanization is radically compounded as coastline communities are devastated by increasing hurricanes (both in strength and frequency) and submerging shorelines. I have many more comments about the Tanakh commentary but I think this is sufficient for now.
So, the actual commentary was thin but the *potential* commentary could have (and has) filled volumes. Perhaps I’m expecting a little too much from this book; I think this would be better branded as a popular introduction rather than an academic text.
Disclaimer: I (accidentally) received a review copy of this book from IVP. Funny story actually, I got on their review mailing list somehow and this showed up at my office.
Well, as is the theme with many books I’ve reviewed, this material is stretching to reach the 118 page mark. Much of the actual commentary can be condensed to about 50 pages. However, for such a breadth of topic, this book is remarkably sparse. Richter covers Biblical exegesis of both Testaments, factory farming, mining, deforestation, and the environmental consequences of the Vietnam war - each of which is deserving of a book unto itself. Noticeably absent? Planetary climate change. This to me is the real sinker. How can anyone write a book on environmentalism in the 21st century and not devote significant attention to planetary climate change, which may legitimately be the greatest existential threat to the human race? Richter mentions climate change only in passing in a a single sentence (if I recall). As many know, climate change is a threat multiplier. All of the problems discussed in this short book are magnified ten-fold (or more!). As a single example, forced urbanization is given quite a bit of airtime in this book but primarily in the context of agricultural collapse and sale of family farms; forced urbanization is radically compounded as coastline communities are devastated by increasing hurricanes (both in strength and frequency) and submerging shorelines. I have many more comments about the Tanakh commentary but I think this is sufficient for now.
So, the actual commentary was thin but the *potential* commentary could have (and has) filled volumes. Perhaps I’m expecting a little too much from this book; I think this would be better branded as a popular introduction rather than an academic text.
Disclaimer: I (accidentally) received a review copy of this book from IVP. Funny story actually, I got on their review mailing list somehow and this showed up at my office.
December 4, 2025
“The introduction of this book asked the question: Can a Christian be an environmentalist? My answer is, how could a son of Adam or a daughter of Eve, redeemed and transformed by the second Adam to live eternally in the resurrected Eden, be anything else?”
This book is so special to me! I’ve always felt it is a Christianity duty to protect our planet, and protect our people! Not saying all Christians should be radical environmentalists, but I think all Christian’s should care to some extent about the environment. And how I could rant but I will digress lol
This is a pretty short read about 180 pages. Sandra Richter did an amazing job bridging the gap between environmentalism and Christianity! She heavily backs her claims with scripture and research, and I highly recommend this read for all Christian’s!!!
Some fav quotes:
I used to think that the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought that thirty years of good science could address these problems. I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy, and to deal with these we need a cultural and spiritual transformation. And we scientists don't know how to do that.
- GUS SPETH, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY UNDER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER
“The earth is the Lord's and all it contains;
you may make use of it in your need,
but you shall not abuse it in your greed.”
This book is so special to me! I’ve always felt it is a Christianity duty to protect our planet, and protect our people! Not saying all Christians should be radical environmentalists, but I think all Christian’s should care to some extent about the environment. And how I could rant but I will digress lol
This is a pretty short read about 180 pages. Sandra Richter did an amazing job bridging the gap between environmentalism and Christianity! She heavily backs her claims with scripture and research, and I highly recommend this read for all Christian’s!!!
Some fav quotes:
I used to think that the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought that thirty years of good science could address these problems. I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy, and to deal with these we need a cultural and spiritual transformation. And we scientists don't know how to do that.
- GUS SPETH, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY UNDER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER
“The earth is the Lord's and all it contains;
you may make use of it in your need,
but you shall not abuse it in your greed.”
October 30, 2025
In many ways I was predisposed to enjoy this work. Part of that is simply 35 years of reading, studying, and memorizing the Word of God. In light of that, I suspected Richter’s conclusion to be true, but I have never undertaken such a thorough study of it.
The practical realities of our planet’s current status are sad, if not downright devastating. I am now more seriously considering what I might change about my consumption of meat. And none of this is simple. This is merely one more reason to make such considerations. How does this affect the restaurants we visit? Should we raise our own chickens? The list goes on.
Richter included case studies from Haiti and Madagascar, two places which God has variously put on my heart over the years, but I have yet to engage any work in either of those places. That may soon change.
It is difficult to read a book like this and not be lost in the immensity of the problem. Hope is elusive, but I believe in the importance of these efforts. May we all find a way to take at least one step forward as citizens of God’s kingdom.
The practical realities of our planet’s current status are sad, if not downright devastating. I am now more seriously considering what I might change about my consumption of meat. And none of this is simple. This is merely one more reason to make such considerations. How does this affect the restaurants we visit? Should we raise our own chickens? The list goes on.
Richter included case studies from Haiti and Madagascar, two places which God has variously put on my heart over the years, but I have yet to engage any work in either of those places. That may soon change.
It is difficult to read a book like this and not be lost in the immensity of the problem. Hope is elusive, but I believe in the importance of these efforts. May we all find a way to take at least one step forward as citizens of God’s kingdom.
August 28, 2021
A wonderful critique of our consumeristic culture and the call of the Christian to care for creation.
“The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains;
you may make use of it in your need,
but you shall not abuse it in your greed” (p. 108).
“Can a Christian be an environmentalist? My answer is, how could a son of Adam or a daughter of Eve, redeemed and transformed by the second Adam to live eternally in the resurrected Eden, be anything else?” (p. 112).
“The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains;
you may make use of it in your need,
but you shall not abuse it in your greed” (p. 108).
“Can a Christian be an environmentalist? My answer is, how could a son of Adam or a daughter of Eve, redeemed and transformed by the second Adam to live eternally in the resurrected Eden, be anything else?” (p. 112).
August 18, 2022
4.5 stars. Nice short book on Biblical grounds for stewardship and protection of nature and all its creatures.
January 30, 2020
I’ve been waiting for this book for a year and it did not disappoint. What I love about Dr. Richter is that she gives you the historical context behind Scriptures and explains it in an easily understandable way. Knowing the context provides a punch behind scripture. It makes it much more meaningful.
If you loved Epic of Eden you will love this. If you’ve not ready Epic of Eden grab it while you’re grabbing this book. Dr. Richter makes learning the Bible easier and more powerful.
If you loved Epic of Eden you will love this. If you’ve not ready Epic of Eden grab it while you’re grabbing this book. Dr. Richter makes learning the Bible easier and more powerful.
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March 14, 2024Reread: I could spend the rest of my life trying to properly address my unending gratitude for this book, and I would fail. If there is one book I could give to my family to let them have a peek into what matters to me, I would ask them to read this. I read this book and I cry, and I learn, and I am given tools to move forward, and I repent. Additional thought: I find it sweet that Christians writing about environmental care always quote Tolkien.
Original Review: She makes environmentalism about obeying God because it is written across Hebrew law not because we have to save the planet. It's not some book that tells you we should care about the environment because x,y, and z are happening. It tells you you should care about the environment because God says so, and hey also x,y, and z are happening because you've failed to obey the Lord.
Original Review: She makes environmentalism about obeying God because it is written across Hebrew law not because we have to save the planet. It's not some book that tells you we should care about the environment because x,y, and z are happening. It tells you you should care about the environment because God says so, and hey also x,y, and z are happening because you've failed to obey the Lord.
July 13, 2023
I could argue that as a Christian environmentalist, I have heard all the arguments in Richter’s book before. But the truth is that this book brings to light so many Old Testament laws (most are from Deuteronomy) that I have never considered in my environmental apologetics. There are many arguments I typically draw on that come from the Psalms, so I was particularly refreshed to expand my answer to “why should Christians care about the environment?”
This short book serves as a great tool for the educated Christian. It was slightly inaccessible at times to the average reader, and I found myself re-reading particular sections to really soak in the content. But I look forward to shelving it with my permanent collection & referencing my notes whenever I feel discouraged in this work.
This short book serves as a great tool for the educated Christian. It was slightly inaccessible at times to the average reader, and I found myself re-reading particular sections to really soak in the content. But I look forward to shelving it with my permanent collection & referencing my notes whenever I feel discouraged in this work.
January 25, 2021
This is a really important book. Before you read another book on justification, theology, or history, you need to do business with this book. The church needs to understand her purpose to care for the environment. This book provides an exegetical argument for us do so.
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