Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth

by Debra Rienstra

Refugia Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth explores how Christian spirituality and practice must adapt to prepare for life on a climate-altered planet. Refugia (reh-FU-jee-ah) is a biological term describing places of shelter where life endures in times of crisis, such as a volcanic eruption, fire, or stressed climate. Ideally, these refugia endure, expand, and connect so that new life emerges. Debra Rienstra applies this concept to human culture and faith, asking, In this era of ecological devastation, how can Christians become people of refugia? How can we find and nurture these refugia, not only in the biomes of the earth, but in our human cultural systems and in our spiritual lives? How can we apply all our love and creativity to this task as never before? Rienstra recounts her own process of reeducation--beginning not as a scientist or an outdoors enthusiast but by examining the wisdom of theologians and philosophers, farmers and nature writers, scientists and activists, and especially people on the margins. By weaving nature writing, personal narrative, and theological reflection, Rienstra grapples honestly with her own fears and longings and points toward a way forward--a way to transform Christian spirituality and practice, become a healer on a damaged earth, and inspire others to do the same. Refugia Faith speaks to people securely within the faith as well as to those on the edge, providing a suitable entry for those who sense that this era of upheaval requires a transformed faith but who don't quite know where to begin.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Theology, Ecology, Christian, Religion, Philosophy

269 pages, Hardcover

Published February 22, 2022

Reviews

[Steve Donoghue]

Christians who are discouraged not only by the savage, stupid partisanship that's currently strangling their faith and making it a force of toxic hatred in the public square (American Christians, in other words) but also with the complacency of their faith communities in the face of catastrophic climate change will find Debra Rienstra's wise, compassionate book enormously refreshing. My review is here: https://openlettersreview.com/posts/r...

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot going for it - I learned so much about what it means to have a Christian theology of ecology and the important role the earth itself plays in the narrative of redemption. As a Grand Rapids native myself, I loved her reflections on the Michigan sand dunes and all the local ecological history she shared…And yet…

I think my first problem was that I read this book on Audible, and unfortunately, I just could not stand the reader’s voice. Which is terrible, I know, but I just couldn’t take her seriously. The voice of the reader didn’t seem to fit the author’s tone in the book at all. Second, the chapters are just SO long and feel kinda rambling. Like, I appreciate all the point that the author made, I just wish they were divided into smaller, succinct chapters. Unfortunately it dragged so much I couldn’t finish it. Alas.

[Heather Alexander-Leduc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thankful for this reflection on Christianity and the climate. Equal parts lush descriptions of the Michigan natural world, dire predictions from the scientific community, and the hopeful call to action for people of faith... this book truly has a perspective that will resonate with different people all concerned with the looming climate crisis. Deb Rienstra models how Christians specifically can act as a refugia, an area where life and flourishing can occur even after devastation. I appreciate too that this isn't a manual for how to "fix" things, but rather an invitation to act, stop being complacent, and to reform our thinking and language to more appropriately bring about healing to the planet we've hurt.

[Lori Matties · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written, personal, and so full of wisdom. Debra Rienstra has researched so widely in her quest to find a way for churches to engage with the more than human world. Her metaphor of refugia is brilliant. Would that we could embrace that idea! oh, and if you love words and their etiologies, this book will be a treat.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to preface this review by saying that Debra Reinstra is a lovely person and a talented writer. My issues with this book are not about her as a person or her ability to write. And I also share her perspective on caring deeply about the natural world. This book, however, was not a success. Or actually, *most* of this book was not a success. There were parts that were wonderful. Every time she dipped into the genre of the nature essay--when she wrote about west Michigan and her project of restoring her backyard ecosystem, when she talked about her relationship to her parent's cottage and the Lake Michigan dunes, I was totally with her. But the rest of the book was a tired pastiche of familiar ideas from other Christian environmentalists, weary doom-mongering about climate change (which I don't deny), and over-worn preachiness about other social issues (indigenous land use and racial identity to name two). I am probably being too harsh. But I really did resort to skimming at times because this felt so totally familiar. The concept of "refugia" itself was interesting and worthy of a chapter. The naturalist memoir sections were also strong. But everything in between was a slog.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's easy to cast judgement from one's own time, place, and perspective. Author, Debra Rienstra, does just that. While the book is full of interesting historic details specific to her geographical location, she uses condescending language, and ascribes motives to the settlers and developers who preceded her. I don't think history is so easily defined, and it gave the book an unpleasant tone of "holier than thou." It distracted from, what I thought was, the purpose of the book.

[Brian Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refugia Faith tackles many of the attitudes I have seen in the church about climate change and consumerism head on. It is too big a problem for me to take on; "they" must solve it. Prof. Rienstra approaches the topic holistically by looking at theology, history, climatology, and biology. She provides enough background that someone with no formal education in these fields can gain a basic grasp of the fundamentals, then points where to go for further reading.

I found her arguments personally convicting. Her book has forced me to take a closer look at my life and habits to see where I could easily make small changes to create and support refugia in my neighborhood- from bike commuting to supporting local plant life. How can I make small changes that will mean I can look my daughters in the eye when I'm in my 70s and say I truly did everything I could to give them a livable world.

One note, this book is not an easy read. I long for a version that is more approachable that I could advocate to my local church leadership to include in community group and small group studies. Even with this, it is well worth the time and effort.

[SHARON DELGADO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra Reinstra’s book, Refugia Faith, is a unique and (dare I say) hopeful book about how to weather the ecological storms that are devastating our planet, even as we grieve, in ways that can sustain our spirits for the long haul. She proposes a model of faith based on a term from the biological sciences, refugia, which indicates isolated places of refuge in landscapes that have been devastated, where plants and animals can find shelter, persist, and begin to regenerate. The author uses the term as a metaphor and gives many examples of how faith can reflect this natural form of renewal even in the most difficult circumstances, such as what we face now on a global scale. While “refugia faith” includes rest and renewal, the author is not suggesting quietude. In fact, surprisingly, she also speaks of action as a “refugia practice,” and points to small pockets of action that may at times grow and merge together, creating a whole ecosystem. This book is comprehensive in its scope and insight. It is well worth reading.

[Bethany Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book nurtured a little refuge in my soul. Highly recommend to Christians (in particular, though I imagine other people of faith or spiritual orientations as well) and those who seek healing for the planet and all her beings: human and more-than-human. As a white Christian woman in West Michigan I felt particularly called out (and invited in) regarding my social and environmental location and privilege. This book blessed and challenged me, inspired and affirmed me in the agency I have to partner with God and all others who love creation and want better for Her. Trees are teachers, moths are magical, every square inch is an opportunity for healing, whether in spite of or with cooperation from us humans.

[Serick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction for me to ecotheology. Great interstitials with nature writing about West Michigan, a place close to my heart since I spent two summers working up that way.

Rienstra’s bibliography/endnotes are really valuable, too, as a resource for further reading on the topic. She draws from a wide variety of thinkers on the topic, historical and contemporary, and is a master of teasing out the implications of the words and phrases we use to describe human interaction with nature.

Besides ecotheology, Rienstra’s other main point is the concept of refugium, which is a resting place to prepare for further action. That last bit, the further action, is especially important. We need rest, but we cannot stop for too long, lest we lose the momentum our rest built up.

[Rachel Hafler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love this book and the concept of 'refugia' spaces- those little pockets of life that persist amidst change and struggle. Rienstra does a beautiful job of weaving her own personal stories with reflections on eco-theology, information on the climate crisis, and snapshots of refugia across a spectrum of people and places. I was delighted to find that this book centered on the natural world of West Michigan; it was a pleasant surprise to find that places I also know and love were being written about with such tenderness and wonder. Highly recommend this book for any Christians looking for a new way of framing their care for the earth along with their engagement of their faith.

[Ken K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written by a professor of English, is a good blend of science, theology, and ecology. Dr Rienstra shows that Christians do not all fit the stereotype of subduing the earth through exploitation. We are called to care for the earth and its resources, not only for us and our children, but because it is the right thing to do.
Even though this world is imperfect, we can find places of refuge where we can come together in fellowship and community.
We read and discussed this book as part of a small group, and gained a lot of practical insights. Enjoy place of refugia wherever you can find them.

[Megan Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book put into words thoughts and feelings that I have had as both a member of a Christian faith (I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and someone who feels closely connected with the natural world. I loved feeling like there are others who have this same connection of God through the more than human world. I felt like this book was written directly for me. I got chills several times reading. This is definitely a read more than once in my life time book. Thank you Mrs. Rienstra for bringing these thoughts together into the world.

[Virginia Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refugia Faith is a beautiful book - in every sense of the word. Debra Rienstra has written a generous, informative, encouraging and challenging book. She weaves together love of the earth with love of God and neighbor in creative and fruitful ways. The seriousness of climate change is faced full-on with the grace of Divinity. The concept of refugia as both a biological and now theological term is explored with skill. I'm grateful for this book - it's given me a whole new way of framing my response to climate change as a person of faith.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that lays it all out there (regarding the environmental crises we are in) and offers hope. The analogy of refugia (a biology term) is a beautiful one, and works well also applied to human social communities and faith communities that are spaces of refuge in this time of anxiety and crisis. Not places to escape, hide or remove ourselves from reality, but places of resilience, regeneration, and reimagining a new future together.

[Caroline Liberatore-Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find myself between 3 and 4 stars... I enjoyed and resonated with a lot here, but it often felt like the author was attempting to capture to much in too little of a space. While I was eager to hone in on this concept of "refugia," I don't truly feel as if she clarified this concept and its connotations by the end of it at all.

With that being said, the chapter on lament was excellent and scintillating, as were many other passage peppered throughout.

[Karen Berlin]

Continually expanding the metaphor throughout, along with theological, literary, scientific research, and personal reflections, the author connects the meaning and components of bio-physical “refugia” to offer a framework for spiritual and behavioral change that could yield positive repair impact for the planet. In contrast to traditional “stewardship” or “creation care” concepts, the book proposes a doctrine of “kinship” and reciprocity with the earth and all its inhabitants.

[Gail Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for traditional Christians looking to connect with the climate crisis. Her use of the word Refugia has inspired me, as an older woman, struggling to find a place to act on my rage. My place to act is right here, on my little farm, that does make a difference.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Good read. The author uses the metaphor of refugia (a terrific ecological term) as a literal and metaphorical, theological and practical approach to the world and our care for it. It is smart and insightful and encouraging.

[Rita M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both inspiring and reassuring.

This book is absolutely amazing; a testament to conviction and wonder and passion and faith. It is in itself, a refugium. I will return numerous times to regain my center and sink my roots again into the nourishing depth of her integration of wisdoms.

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book, and it was recommended by a few friends. But I was turned off by the obvious political nature of the book. It doesn't matter which side of the aisle you're on, you don't need to bring politics into everything.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 The author helps the reader to take a breath and see places of refuge in the world. I especially appreciated her insights on our memories of places that have brought meaning to us and how those memories continue to form us. It was a good book to read slowly and reflect on her perspectives.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great faith-based writing about climate change and nature. Bonus points because it’s about Michigan, where I live.

[Andrew Blok]

A hopeful book on faith and climate change. Beautifully written and full of good advice and carefully considered thoughts about how people of faith should respond to our ecological crisis.

[Jenny Kindelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful books I’ve read, so intricately weaving theology, personal reflection & ecology. Reinstra captured the tension I feel as a person of faith concerned with the climate.

[Natalie Nyberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful reflection on caring for the natural world and ourselves within it.

[Mary]

The absolute best thing I’ve read in a long while!

[Charles Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and comforting book chronicling the author's reflections of Christian faith in nature. A beautiful alternative to the climate change denial so prevalent in evangelical churches.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presentation by the author today at Hope Church, Holland MI.

[Bobbi Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and look forward to reading it again. It resonated with everything I've been feeling about the earth, community, faith, justice, and more. I encourage everyone to read it.