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The Green Good News: Christ's Path to Sustainable and Joyful Life
When was the last time that we heard some good news? For those tuned in to the ecological crisis and the daily chronicle of injustice, the declaration of good news might seem synonymous with denial and avoidance. The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us to face the suffering of the world and live in love and hope. The only catch is, it requires that we change. It is only by losing our consumeristic, profit-seeking, and isolated lives that we may save them.
The Green Good News finds a fresh take on the Gospels, painting a picture of Jesus as a humorous and subversive teacher, an organizer of alternative communities and food economies, as a healer of bodies and relationships, and as a prophet who sought to overturn an empire and restore a more just and joyful way of life. Christ teaches and incarnates a vision for sustainable life and provides practices that mark the path toward it. By exploring this always-inspiring sustainable gospel, we can find ways to transform our lives, communities, and even creation.
The Green Good News finds a fresh take on the Gospels, painting a picture of Jesus as a humorous and subversive teacher, an organizer of alternative communities and food economies, as a healer of bodies and relationships, and as a prophet who sought to overturn an empire and restore a more just and joyful way of life. Christ teaches and incarnates a vision for sustainable life and provides practices that mark the path toward it. By exploring this always-inspiring sustainable gospel, we can find ways to transform our lives, communities, and even creation.
220 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2019
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July 31, 2020
So much of our world seems despoiled, so much of our economy impersonal and inhumane, so much of our life disconnected from one another and the earth. Dickinson longs for more grounded, generous, and humane ways of living together, as so many of us do, and finds hope, vision, and power for this in the gospel of Jesus.
In the tradition of New Testament as anti-Empire scholarship, Dickinson argues that life in Judea under the Roman colonizers had its own versions of today's inhumane conditions. He explores Jesus' teaching, healing, meal sharing, and prayer - finding grounds there for repentance and renewal.
I'm less than satisfied with where Dickinson lands his big critiques of neoliberalism. Our current economics and politics degrade the earth and human lives and leave us soul hungry and body sick after consuming the cheap, abundant goods we purchase with the diminishing free capital of our long labor. Yes, I agree. But is the answer to be found in sharing tiny, coop, organic gardens and home dinner churches? I don't mock, really, those things are great, but they will be accessible and sustainable for so few. What else?
On a personal level, though, there's so much in Dickinson's work with the gospel that gives me hope and points me toward a more faithful, joyful, nourished life.
In the tradition of New Testament as anti-Empire scholarship, Dickinson argues that life in Judea under the Roman colonizers had its own versions of today's inhumane conditions. He explores Jesus' teaching, healing, meal sharing, and prayer - finding grounds there for repentance and renewal.
I'm less than satisfied with where Dickinson lands his big critiques of neoliberalism. Our current economics and politics degrade the earth and human lives and leave us soul hungry and body sick after consuming the cheap, abundant goods we purchase with the diminishing free capital of our long labor. Yes, I agree. But is the answer to be found in sharing tiny, coop, organic gardens and home dinner churches? I don't mock, really, those things are great, but they will be accessible and sustainable for so few. What else?
On a personal level, though, there's so much in Dickinson's work with the gospel that gives me hope and points me toward a more faithful, joyful, nourished life.
April 27, 2020
Luke 24:13-35 The Message (MSG)
The Road to Emmaus
13-16 That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.
17-18 He asked, “What’s this you’re discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened during the last few days?”
19-24 He said, “What has happened?”
They said, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn’t find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn’t see Jesus.”
25-27 Then he said to them, “So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can’t you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don’t you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?” Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him.
28-31 They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: “Stay and have supper with us. It’s nearly evening; the day is done.” So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared.
32 Back and forth they talked. “Didn’t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?”
A Ghost Doesn’t Have Muscle and Bone
33-34 They didn’t waste a minute. They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away: “It’s really happened! The Master has been raised up—Simon saw him!”
35 Then the two went over everything that happened on the road and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.
The Green Good News:
Christ's Path to Sustainable and Joyful Life
T. Wilson Dickinson
The Green Good News, gives a refreshing presentation on the Gospels, presenting Jesus as a man of humor, a subversive teacher, and organizer of alternative communities and food economics, as a healer of bodies and relationships, and as a prophet who sought to overturn an empire and restore a more just and joyful way of life. Dickinson crystallizes the mission of Jesus as one who teaches and incarnates a sustainable way of life.
On my desk stands a "Tree of Life" created from stone and metal, given as a gift from a homeless young lady. In her own way she described this creation as the book presents it thesis.
Today we celebrated Holy Communion in Golden Gate Park. There is a lot of humor in the memory. Each time we try to social distance, they would crowd back together, and finally I screamed at them, that solved the social distancing issue. And I was dressed in a mask, with rubber gloves as we served communion. "Sam" laughing says "you are a sign of the future." And the reality he may be right-all of us wearing masks and gloves for protection.
For our "sermon" we discussed our lectionary reading, and each one vocalized the themes of the The Green Good News.
We need a transformation of the "Empire", (governments still have their focus on the wealthy, and the powerful) in which sustainability of life through communities of equals, a recognition of climate change, and treating our environment as our partner, rather than as a slave for our own benefit, and a provision of housing, food, and health care for all are a given.
I no longer vote, for the same reasons as Dorothy Day, we live in a "dirty rotten system", and not voting is a protest against that system. We respect how people vote, be they Greens, Republican or Democrat, but for ourselves we can not "hold our noses" and vote. For example the "Healthy San Francisco" money meant for health insurance for those employees who can not afford it, sits in the treasury and the City says there are legal entanglements. Our system is "dirty and rotten". I have seen little results in housing and health care for the homeless, minorities, and the undocumented. Little is it talked about. That is why I can not hold my nose and vote. It took me along time to come to this, but I have seen and felt the effects of our "dirty rotten" system. I have hesitated to say this publicly since from right and left people essentially criticize and sometimes walk away. I respect whatever you believe, and vote, and seek to meet people in the way of love.
On my desk are six photos of young guys, from the age of 15-20, my best friends. They are not street kids, but housed, and from the time I became ill two and a half years ago they were a demonstration of the Kingdom of God. Two took off school when I was recovering from surgery, let me stay at their houses and nursed me back to health, never judged me in my craziness at times, and never asked for anything in return. We never discuss religion, unless it is True Religion clothes; the color of our skin has never come up, six are Hispanic, we walk on the same plain. In the same way we walk with the those who are homeless. Illness, poverty, pain, rejection levels the playing field of age, race, and socioeconomic status.
Today as the bread was given from my gloved hands, I have no idea how most of the young men and women believed or if they believed, for the Eucharist is symbolic of the grace of God in the lives of all humanity, and calls us to walk in grace and love. Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God!
--------------------------------------------
Fr. River Damien Sims, sfw, D.Min.
P.O. Box 642656
San Francisco, CA 94164
www.temenos.org
415-305-2124
August 8, 2020
What a thorough theological reflection around the work of Jesus and the connection to Ecological Justice! As a priest and a long-time “tree-hugger” – starting the first recycling club at my high school, getting people to clean and recycle rather than just tossing, encouraging people to drive less – I have never tied together the extent of available scripture and the environmental work about which I was passionate. Of course, I can talk about the care of creation and look to Genesis for inspiration about being good stewards. (And that ‘dominion’ doesn’t mean strip mining our way through creation.) I can talk about how the story of God’s Kingdom includes all of creation and not just humanity.
However, I had not done the deep work that T. Wilson Dickinson has done for us in The Green Good News. He systematically looks at Jesus’ life and all of the ways that Jesus was trying to bring his disciples closer to not just each other, but to all of creation. He creates amazing connections and insights to scripture and has caused me to rethink some of my previous readings of passages.
His challenge is deeper than just “recycle,” or “just go buy a Tesla” (or other electric car, as I am very partial to my BMW i3.). It’s even bigger than calling on companies to do more work to reduce waste, since we know an individual can do a little and a company can do a lot. His challenge is to completely rethink the system that has been created, and in which we are complicit in creating. We are in the middle of a system that continues to degrade the earth and take advantage of resources and other (poorer) people. Our littler personal acts are important, but so is reaching to a larger systemic impact and pushing for changes in how “business is done” in regards to ecological justice and environmental protections. Our individual work can’t make the prolonged changes that need to be made to move our world to a safer, more sustainable place. It is only through making systemic change that we can see the change that will bring the world’s temperatures down and keep water sources clean and plentiful.
This is a truly powerful book. It is not for the light reader looking for inspiration. This is a tome of knowledge that can be read and reflected on over a very long time. The depth of study is worth our time to help understand better the Ecological Justice challenges facing us at this point in history and gives us a theological framework based in Jesus’ teachings that will forever adjust how we read Scripture and apply it to our lives.
It was so powerful that I have shared this book with several other people who are involved in our Province V Creation Care Network and we are reading it as we ponder how we might encourage the Episcopal Church to broaden and deepen our work in Ecological Justice. We are slowly making our way through this as we continue our conversation about how to faithfully respond to the environmental crisis that surrounds us.
More reviews here: https://ramblingisgoodforthesoul.word...
However, I had not done the deep work that T. Wilson Dickinson has done for us in The Green Good News. He systematically looks at Jesus’ life and all of the ways that Jesus was trying to bring his disciples closer to not just each other, but to all of creation. He creates amazing connections and insights to scripture and has caused me to rethink some of my previous readings of passages.
His challenge is deeper than just “recycle,” or “just go buy a Tesla” (or other electric car, as I am very partial to my BMW i3.). It’s even bigger than calling on companies to do more work to reduce waste, since we know an individual can do a little and a company can do a lot. His challenge is to completely rethink the system that has been created, and in which we are complicit in creating. We are in the middle of a system that continues to degrade the earth and take advantage of resources and other (poorer) people. Our littler personal acts are important, but so is reaching to a larger systemic impact and pushing for changes in how “business is done” in regards to ecological justice and environmental protections. Our individual work can’t make the prolonged changes that need to be made to move our world to a safer, more sustainable place. It is only through making systemic change that we can see the change that will bring the world’s temperatures down and keep water sources clean and plentiful.
This is a truly powerful book. It is not for the light reader looking for inspiration. This is a tome of knowledge that can be read and reflected on over a very long time. The depth of study is worth our time to help understand better the Ecological Justice challenges facing us at this point in history and gives us a theological framework based in Jesus’ teachings that will forever adjust how we read Scripture and apply it to our lives.
It was so powerful that I have shared this book with several other people who are involved in our Province V Creation Care Network and we are reading it as we ponder how we might encourage the Episcopal Church to broaden and deepen our work in Ecological Justice. We are slowly making our way through this as we continue our conversation about how to faithfully respond to the environmental crisis that surrounds us.
More reviews here: https://ramblingisgoodforthesoul.word...
August 12, 2020
The Green Good News is about "green" as in new, about "green" as in sustainable ecological blessings to share. It's about "good news" as in gospel. Author T. Wilson Dickinson lives in Central Kentucky, where (among other activities) he serves as director of The Green Good News, an organization rooted in educating and cultivating communities into joyful ways of creation justice and simplicity.
To heal individuals, communities, and the land, we need to lessen behaviors that violate creation, rupture community, and cause death. At the start of this calendar year, I announced 2020 would be my year of Living Local. Although COVID-19 had started to spread, the virus still was unknown to the USA. But now for everyone worldwide, one of the paradoxical gifts of needing to stay locked down close to home for however long means living local is more necessary and it's easier to do. Having the opportunity to consider the content of The Green Good News The Book has been a timely fit as it reminds us to read food and environmental realities in the bible as they present themselves, and not solely as spiritual metaphors—though most texts easily stretch to include that essential dimension .
"…Mary Magdalene turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus asked her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Who is it you are looking for?' Supposing he was the gardener…" John 20:14-15
The Risen Christ is a gardener! Not exactly a local guy stopping by for his weekly cemetery-tending gig, but Jesus of Nazareth crucified and risen is the ultimate gardener through whom everything was created. He was there at the beginning and has been there all along! Though the entire bible reveals good news about God's reign of grace, we particularly associate God's living Word Jesus of Nazareth with the gospel that incorporates all creation from its start in the garden with a river of life and tree of life to its end where the garden has grown into a verdant city with a river of life and trees of life.
With aspects of autobiography, scripture study, and experience-grounded practical ideas for greener living as family and community, The Green Good News feels like a journal as it interweaves religion, economics, politics, ecology, and anthropology, as it helps us discern the unavoidable link between the environment and justice for all.
Dickinson describes what his own families and communities have done to move away from reliance on empire into covenantal lifestyles that help transform food systems while restoring land and waters in order to heal both individual bodies and the social bodies individuals create. And, of course, those social bodies include the church, the body of the Risen Christ. Your own church or biological family might enjoy chronicling its own journey of greening and resurrecting!
Notice of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from The Speakeasy with no expectation I'd write a positive review. As always, opinions are my own.
To heal individuals, communities, and the land, we need to lessen behaviors that violate creation, rupture community, and cause death. At the start of this calendar year, I announced 2020 would be my year of Living Local. Although COVID-19 had started to spread, the virus still was unknown to the USA. But now for everyone worldwide, one of the paradoxical gifts of needing to stay locked down close to home for however long means living local is more necessary and it's easier to do. Having the opportunity to consider the content of The Green Good News The Book has been a timely fit as it reminds us to read food and environmental realities in the bible as they present themselves, and not solely as spiritual metaphors—though most texts easily stretch to include that essential dimension .
"…Mary Magdalene turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus asked her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Who is it you are looking for?' Supposing he was the gardener…" John 20:14-15
The Risen Christ is a gardener! Not exactly a local guy stopping by for his weekly cemetery-tending gig, but Jesus of Nazareth crucified and risen is the ultimate gardener through whom everything was created. He was there at the beginning and has been there all along! Though the entire bible reveals good news about God's reign of grace, we particularly associate God's living Word Jesus of Nazareth with the gospel that incorporates all creation from its start in the garden with a river of life and tree of life to its end where the garden has grown into a verdant city with a river of life and trees of life.
With aspects of autobiography, scripture study, and experience-grounded practical ideas for greener living as family and community, The Green Good News feels like a journal as it interweaves religion, economics, politics, ecology, and anthropology, as it helps us discern the unavoidable link between the environment and justice for all.
Dickinson describes what his own families and communities have done to move away from reliance on empire into covenantal lifestyles that help transform food systems while restoring land and waters in order to heal both individual bodies and the social bodies individuals create. And, of course, those social bodies include the church, the body of the Risen Christ. Your own church or biological family might enjoy chronicling its own journey of greening and resurrecting!
Notice of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from The Speakeasy with no expectation I'd write a positive review. As always, opinions are my own.
May 20, 2020
The Kingdom and the Climate
T. Wilson Dickinson, in his book The Green Good News, addresses the topic of climate change. Climate change is a hot topic. We have read books and articles on the topic, and we have watched movies and videos. Enemies have been identified—from fossil fuel companies, agribusinesses, to water bottles. We have called on governments to pass laws to lower pollution and protect the environment. In our minds, we have determined what we will do to enter the battle. We will buy smaller SUV’s next time we purchase our cars, drink tap water and pack our groceries in reusable bags. Dickinson’s book challenges these perspectives, perceptions, and responses. He makes his readers uncomfortable, yet gives his readers hope.
Dickinson’s book examines the world’s empires that have created our polluted world and identifies the forces that are at work preventing actions that could reverse global warming. As a follower of Jesus, Dickinson, looks to the teachings of Jesus for insight. It becomes obvious to Dickinson that our present plight is a modern day reply of the clash between the Roman Empire and the Kingdom of God. Centuries ago Jesus’ words instructed his followers in ways to live in God’s kingdom and subvert the powers of the empire. Jesus’ words enabled the early Christians to live abundant, free, loving and world changing lives in the face of opposition and persecution. Those same words provide practical teachings along with the gospel’s life giving message to us as well.
I like The Green Good News. It casts a fresh and needed perspective on the struggles we face with global warming. The book not only looks at governments and global businesses, but also our personal struggles with identity and community. As a former parish pastor and preacher, I appreciated the insightful way Dickinson worked with Jesus’ parables, teachings and actions. What he sees is not allegorical, nor merely insights into God’s character. Dickinson uncovers pictures of a world broken by greed, corruption, and a misuse of wealth and power. There are also demonstrations of how God’s kingdom breaks into such a world and changes it. (I’d buy this book for its work with the parables of Jesus, if nothing else.)
Dickinson, invites groups to gather and discuss what he presents, by providing a study guide. This is not meant to be a book to read, put down, and then pick up another book. It is a book to read, ponder, discuss and then act on. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
T. Wilson Dickinson, in his book The Green Good News, addresses the topic of climate change. Climate change is a hot topic. We have read books and articles on the topic, and we have watched movies and videos. Enemies have been identified—from fossil fuel companies, agribusinesses, to water bottles. We have called on governments to pass laws to lower pollution and protect the environment. In our minds, we have determined what we will do to enter the battle. We will buy smaller SUV’s next time we purchase our cars, drink tap water and pack our groceries in reusable bags. Dickinson’s book challenges these perspectives, perceptions, and responses. He makes his readers uncomfortable, yet gives his readers hope.
Dickinson’s book examines the world’s empires that have created our polluted world and identifies the forces that are at work preventing actions that could reverse global warming. As a follower of Jesus, Dickinson, looks to the teachings of Jesus for insight. It becomes obvious to Dickinson that our present plight is a modern day reply of the clash between the Roman Empire and the Kingdom of God. Centuries ago Jesus’ words instructed his followers in ways to live in God’s kingdom and subvert the powers of the empire. Jesus’ words enabled the early Christians to live abundant, free, loving and world changing lives in the face of opposition and persecution. Those same words provide practical teachings along with the gospel’s life giving message to us as well.
I like The Green Good News. It casts a fresh and needed perspective on the struggles we face with global warming. The book not only looks at governments and global businesses, but also our personal struggles with identity and community. As a former parish pastor and preacher, I appreciated the insightful way Dickinson worked with Jesus’ parables, teachings and actions. What he sees is not allegorical, nor merely insights into God’s character. Dickinson uncovers pictures of a world broken by greed, corruption, and a misuse of wealth and power. There are also demonstrations of how God’s kingdom breaks into such a world and changes it. (I’d buy this book for its work with the parables of Jesus, if nothing else.)
Dickinson, invites groups to gather and discuss what he presents, by providing a study guide. This is not meant to be a book to read, put down, and then pick up another book. It is a book to read, ponder, discuss and then act on. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 14, 2020
I started this book with low expectations. Most of the theology centred on the issues of environment etc. I've found to be less than impressive.
Dickinson's strategy and argument is nothing if not revolutionary. The binary between Empire (capitalist economy, systems of oppression etc. this entails) and God's kingdom (basically eco-socialism) is dominant throughout the book. When big business tries to appear more green by promoting recycling, opening a soup kitchen, etc. this is not enough, as it plays into, rather than undermines the current system of Empire. A complete rethink of the foundations upon which our economy and systems of interaction rest is required.
This maps quite nearly over the many binaries found in the NT, and Dickinson provides a convincing hermeneutic for reading much of the NT (especially the parables), and bits of the OT.
He uses personal experience and narrative snippets honestly, humbly, and effectively.
What I would have liked him to address (head on) is that his readings of the NT often rest upon an idea of *realised/inaugurated eschatology* (i.e. the new age has been ushered in already, usually by Christ's appearance/death). However, much of the NT quite naturally lends itself to a *future eschatology* (i.e. this present age is inherently irredeemable, and we are to look to a future age for God's kingdom). Very early on, Christians (including Paul) realised that the lion could not lie down with the lamb in this current scheme of the world, and considered themselves passersby, 'in' the world not 'of' the world. This mentality can be traced directly to modern evangelical Christians who see the world as a temporary resource to be plundered and made the most of while it's here, because it sure isn't going to last for much longer. Dickinson would have done well to address this tension head on.
I'm not sure a firm ruling is established as to what extent the world's rulers/authorities/powers etc. should be obeyed according to the Green Good News. If these are simply trappings and agents of Empire, what do we do with Paul's direction that rulers are to be obeyed (Romans 13), at least as far as physical, earthly matters go?
Personally, this book resonated with me a lot. It's erudite and self-consciously written, but is hard going at times.
I think it would lend itself very well to adaptation to become an illustrated 'meditations' style presentation book (along the lines of John Behr's 'Becoming Human'). The most salient take aways and meditations could very nicely provide the focus for cool illustrations. This could be a coffee table, gift style book, which would future extend its reach.
Dickinson's strategy and argument is nothing if not revolutionary. The binary between Empire (capitalist economy, systems of oppression etc. this entails) and God's kingdom (basically eco-socialism) is dominant throughout the book. When big business tries to appear more green by promoting recycling, opening a soup kitchen, etc. this is not enough, as it plays into, rather than undermines the current system of Empire. A complete rethink of the foundations upon which our economy and systems of interaction rest is required.
This maps quite nearly over the many binaries found in the NT, and Dickinson provides a convincing hermeneutic for reading much of the NT (especially the parables), and bits of the OT.
He uses personal experience and narrative snippets honestly, humbly, and effectively.
What I would have liked him to address (head on) is that his readings of the NT often rest upon an idea of *realised/inaugurated eschatology* (i.e. the new age has been ushered in already, usually by Christ's appearance/death). However, much of the NT quite naturally lends itself to a *future eschatology* (i.e. this present age is inherently irredeemable, and we are to look to a future age for God's kingdom). Very early on, Christians (including Paul) realised that the lion could not lie down with the lamb in this current scheme of the world, and considered themselves passersby, 'in' the world not 'of' the world. This mentality can be traced directly to modern evangelical Christians who see the world as a temporary resource to be plundered and made the most of while it's here, because it sure isn't going to last for much longer. Dickinson would have done well to address this tension head on.
I'm not sure a firm ruling is established as to what extent the world's rulers/authorities/powers etc. should be obeyed according to the Green Good News. If these are simply trappings and agents of Empire, what do we do with Paul's direction that rulers are to be obeyed (Romans 13), at least as far as physical, earthly matters go?
Personally, this book resonated with me a lot. It's erudite and self-consciously written, but is hard going at times.
I think it would lend itself very well to adaptation to become an illustrated 'meditations' style presentation book (along the lines of John Behr's 'Becoming Human'). The most salient take aways and meditations could very nicely provide the focus for cool illustrations. This could be a coffee table, gift style book, which would future extend its reach.
August 3, 2020
author: T. Wilson Dickinson
title: The Green Good News
publisher: Cascade Books
date: 2019
On the surface The Green Good News is about ecology, the environment, gardening... you know all that green stuff. And it is good stuff.
But the book is about much more. It takes a holistic approach to life. Unlike too many "Christian" books on the environment, "being green" is not a tack on - it is rooted in God's creation and in his re-creation of the new heavens and the new earth. The author takes us on a journey through scripture, showing how living now is connected to how Jesus calls us to live as his disciples. The subtitle: "Christ's Path to Sustainable and Joyful Life" tells us that the Gospel and Green go together.
I read this book in the middle of a global pandemic. Our world is in so much pain, that it groans, as Paul reminds us in Romans. The damage we have done to the environment... rising temperatures, rising water levels, weather extremes, carbon emissions, resource consumption, disease, extinctions... it seems that there is little good news. And many respond with an "I guess there is nothing we can do" attitude. And while ultimately we wait for the new heavens and the new earth, our attitude and approach to living in this broken world is not one of giving up.
Dickinson's book is about partnering with God for the world, reminding us that proclaiming the good news puts Jesus at the crossroads of earth and empire. But as followers of Jesus, we live transformative shared lives.
Dickinson's book is about healing - both in the 1st-century context in which Jesus lived and, in our day, where we are to continue to confront the power and wealth of the empire for the sake of the vulnerable.
I would recommend The Green Good News. It's a book that is right for our day. If you are looking for an introduction to a holistic biblical view of the environment, peace and justice, this is a good place to start.
#TheGreenGoodNews
A review copy was provided by speakeasy.
All opinions are my own.
title: The Green Good News
publisher: Cascade Books
date: 2019
On the surface The Green Good News is about ecology, the environment, gardening... you know all that green stuff. And it is good stuff.
But the book is about much more. It takes a holistic approach to life. Unlike too many "Christian" books on the environment, "being green" is not a tack on - it is rooted in God's creation and in his re-creation of the new heavens and the new earth. The author takes us on a journey through scripture, showing how living now is connected to how Jesus calls us to live as his disciples. The subtitle: "Christ's Path to Sustainable and Joyful Life" tells us that the Gospel and Green go together.
I read this book in the middle of a global pandemic. Our world is in so much pain, that it groans, as Paul reminds us in Romans. The damage we have done to the environment... rising temperatures, rising water levels, weather extremes, carbon emissions, resource consumption, disease, extinctions... it seems that there is little good news. And many respond with an "I guess there is nothing we can do" attitude. And while ultimately we wait for the new heavens and the new earth, our attitude and approach to living in this broken world is not one of giving up.
Dickinson's book is about partnering with God for the world, reminding us that proclaiming the good news puts Jesus at the crossroads of earth and empire. But as followers of Jesus, we live transformative shared lives.
Dickinson's book is about healing - both in the 1st-century context in which Jesus lived and, in our day, where we are to continue to confront the power and wealth of the empire for the sake of the vulnerable.
I would recommend The Green Good News. It's a book that is right for our day. If you are looking for an introduction to a holistic biblical view of the environment, peace and justice, this is a good place to start.
#TheGreenGoodNews
A review copy was provided by speakeasy.
All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2020
This is not an easy read as it challenges Christian's to go beyond treating symptoms and deal with what has caused the disease in the first place. I was both encouraged and discouraged by this book. Encouraged because it makes sense. Discouraged because I know that this is bigger than me. I must develop different habits and seek to live the kingdom way by rejecting empire which is so deeply ingrained in me and be renewed by Christ daily.
May 10, 2021
So good I read it again!!! This book gave me a whole new way of seeing and understanding the teachings of Christ. It was huge in seeing how we are controlled by food and how those who control the food hold the power.
July 9, 2020
I just love a book that changes my life! This one has made me more aware of the food I eat and how it is sourced. I loved how the author explains the history, the society, and the laws of both the synagog and the Roman rulers in the land and time of Christ's life on earth. It gave me a broader and in-depth understanding of the parables of Christ when viewed from the agrarian culture of that time. The author also points out how our consumerism, mono-agriculture practices and exploitation of resources is truly counter to the teaching of scripture.
This book was a game-changer for me. Some things I can do to make the world a better place is to buy local, buy responsibly from sources that don't exploit land, labor or the environment. But most of all, not to buy things in excess and to distinguish wants from needs to be sure that there's enough for everybody. Christ, the disciples, apostles, and the mothers and fathers of the early church lived simple lives, free of excess. After reading this book and pondering the words of Christ and the information presented by the author, living a simple life sounds more liberating and less cumbersome than trying to manage and be burdened by all this stuff.
My only negative comment on the book...ok, it's pithy, but we do judge books by the covers and I must say, had this book not been recommended, I never would have chosen it by the cover. It looks too much like one of those "recruitment" pamphlets that certain churches or radical religions leave on your door that just assumes everyone is going to hell unless you belong to their exclusive group/church. A real turn-off.
I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This book was a game-changer for me. Some things I can do to make the world a better place is to buy local, buy responsibly from sources that don't exploit land, labor or the environment. But most of all, not to buy things in excess and to distinguish wants from needs to be sure that there's enough for everybody. Christ, the disciples, apostles, and the mothers and fathers of the early church lived simple lives, free of excess. After reading this book and pondering the words of Christ and the information presented by the author, living a simple life sounds more liberating and less cumbersome than trying to manage and be burdened by all this stuff.
My only negative comment on the book...ok, it's pithy, but we do judge books by the covers and I must say, had this book not been recommended, I never would have chosen it by the cover. It looks too much like one of those "recruitment" pamphlets that certain churches or radical religions leave on your door that just assumes everyone is going to hell unless you belong to their exclusive group/church. A real turn-off.
I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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