What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation
With his characteristic rigor and perceptiveness, Richard Bauckham embarks on a biblical investigation into the relationship between human beings and the rest of creation. Bauckham argues that there is much more to the Bible’s understanding of this relationship than the mandate of human dominion given in Genesis 1―which, he writes, has too often been used as a justification for domination and exploitation of the earth’s resources. Instead, Bauckham considers the ecological perspectives found in the book of Job, the Psalms, and the Gospels, all of which, he determines, require a reevaluation of the biblical tradition of "dominion." Bauckham discovers a tradition of a "community of creation" in which human beings are fellow members with God’s other creatures and true reconciliation to God involves the entire creation. Short, reliable, and engaging, The Bible and Ecology is essential reading for anyone looking for a biblically grounded approach to ecology.
238 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2010
10 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Richard Bauckham
93 books258 followersRichard Bauckham (PhD, University of Cambridge) is senior scholar at Ridley Hall, Cambridge University, in Cambridge, England, where he teaches for the Cambridge Federation of Theological Colleges. He is also a visiting professor at St. Mellitus College, London, and emeritus professor of New Testament at the University of St. Andrews. He is a Fellow of the British Academy and the author of numerous books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 23, 2022
Anyone who knows my reading habits knows I have a bit of a soft spot for Richard Bauckham, and so it probably won't surprise you to find out that I enjoyed this. It surprised me, though!
I wouldn't dot every i and cross every t the same way: I think his desire to move away from an exclusive focus on the categories of dominion and stewardship might be a bit overdone (I wonder whether there is a little bit more authority in Genesis 1-2 than he might let on); I wonder whether he might sometimes over-read imagery; I'm not fully on board with where he seems to want to end up missiologically (although for the most part, he was restrained).
But this book is readable, exegetically rigorous (what else with Bauckham?), Biblical-theologically integrative, and highly stimulating. I was personally provoked and challenged. For all that I thought that there's a bit more to say about stewardship and dominion, Bauckham's point that we are part of creation and not simply rulers over it is surely well-taken. As is his stress on the need for humility before the otherness of nature. And I was particularly struck by his observation that in the Bible animals are 'the subjects of their own lives.' There are things I need to think about. There are things I need to change my mind about.
I'm not about to start advocating for an extinction rebellion ministry (and actually, Bauckham had plenty to say in critique of eco-dogma), and there's stuff I'm not sure about. Strike that: there's stuff I disagree with. But I think I've learnt something, and that's a reason to read a book. Four stars.
I wouldn't dot every i and cross every t the same way: I think his desire to move away from an exclusive focus on the categories of dominion and stewardship might be a bit overdone (I wonder whether there is a little bit more authority in Genesis 1-2 than he might let on); I wonder whether he might sometimes over-read imagery; I'm not fully on board with where he seems to want to end up missiologically (although for the most part, he was restrained).
But this book is readable, exegetically rigorous (what else with Bauckham?), Biblical-theologically integrative, and highly stimulating. I was personally provoked and challenged. For all that I thought that there's a bit more to say about stewardship and dominion, Bauckham's point that we are part of creation and not simply rulers over it is surely well-taken. As is his stress on the need for humility before the otherness of nature. And I was particularly struck by his observation that in the Bible animals are 'the subjects of their own lives.' There are things I need to think about. There are things I need to change my mind about.
I'm not about to start advocating for an extinction rebellion ministry (and actually, Bauckham had plenty to say in critique of eco-dogma), and there's stuff I'm not sure about. Strike that: there's stuff I disagree with. But I think I've learnt something, and that's a reason to read a book. Four stars.
April 22, 2025
I've seen this book recommended and quoted in many other works, and I finally got around to reading it. I'm so glad I did. One of the first things that surprised me was Bauckham’s critique of the "stewardship mandate"—after all, isn’t that the very reason many of us care for creation in the first place? But he makes a compelling case for the limitations and potential pitfalls of making stewardship the sole or primary framework for Christian ecological thought.
Instead, Bauckham invites us into a much richer, more theocentric vision—one that sees creation not as a resource managed by humans, but as a community centered around God. He walks the reader through this biblical vision with clarity and depth, rooting his argument in Scripture while also engaging thoughtfully with the current ecological crisis.
As a biblical scholar, Bauckham brings fresh insights into many familiar passages. I was especially captivated by his reading of God’s speeches in the book of Job—profound, humbling, and deeply relevant.
I’ve already recommended Bible and Ecology to several friends, and I know I’ll be returning to it again. It’s also convinced me that I need to read more of Richard Bauckham’s work.
Instead, Bauckham invites us into a much richer, more theocentric vision—one that sees creation not as a resource managed by humans, but as a community centered around God. He walks the reader through this biblical vision with clarity and depth, rooting his argument in Scripture while also engaging thoughtfully with the current ecological crisis.
As a biblical scholar, Bauckham brings fresh insights into many familiar passages. I was especially captivated by his reading of God’s speeches in the book of Job—profound, humbling, and deeply relevant.
I’ve already recommended Bible and Ecology to several friends, and I know I’ll be returning to it again. It’s also convinced me that I need to read more of Richard Bauckham’s work.
May 1, 2016
Bauckham has two works (that I am aware of) dealing with eco-theology. I first read “Living
With Other Creatures” which was, admittedly, more in depth than this book, but I much prefer the current book. Unlike “Living With Other Creatures,” Bauckham’s thoughts were organized much better for book format. Both of these books were taken from the author’s lectures (the current from the Sarum Theological Lectures), but the current was edited so well that you would not know it unless you were looking for it.
The book is excellent in it’s call to understand the scriptures in theocentric (God-centered) terms rather than anthropocentric (human centered). The author looks beyond the scope of Genesis 1 and 2 and takes a broad look at various creation passages, particularly Job 38-40, Psalm 104, and Psalm 148 (though Genesis 1 and 2 are perhaps underplayed). I found the arguments to be quite compelling though, like his other work, at times pushed too far. My critique is with a certain categorical de-emphasis. Bauckham’s eco-theological work seems to be a (necessary) reaction to our current ecological crisis. To his credit, he deals well with the theological understanding of ‘dominion’ as dominion among, not above the rest of creation. Humans have, in other words, no hierarchy in the created order. Understanding how the Bible speaks of power, I can buy this. However, it is here that Bauckham begins to reject, or at least de-emphasize, certain human roles within creation; namely the category of priesthood. It seems that priesthood ought to be rethought rather than rejected. After stating that he doesn’t “warm to the idea that humans are the priests of creation” (84), he goes on to talk about the ‘community of creation’ and quotes Aldo Leopold who states:
“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see the land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect” (87).
I agree. However, a priest, when fulfilling her role well, also sees the community as a place in which she is a ‘member’ and fulfills her duties out of love and respect for that community. She is a fellow creature. A priest within creation should do no less. All of that to say that it seems that our understanding of priesthood needs reform, not replacing.
Where the book really shines is in it’s final chapter From Alpha To Omega. His writing on the 'Cosmic Christ’ (from both Colossians and John), and his work on cosmic renewal are astounding. Overall, worth the read if you are interested in the topic.
With Other Creatures” which was, admittedly, more in depth than this book, but I much prefer the current book. Unlike “Living With Other Creatures,” Bauckham’s thoughts were organized much better for book format. Both of these books were taken from the author’s lectures (the current from the Sarum Theological Lectures), but the current was edited so well that you would not know it unless you were looking for it.
The book is excellent in it’s call to understand the scriptures in theocentric (God-centered) terms rather than anthropocentric (human centered). The author looks beyond the scope of Genesis 1 and 2 and takes a broad look at various creation passages, particularly Job 38-40, Psalm 104, and Psalm 148 (though Genesis 1 and 2 are perhaps underplayed). I found the arguments to be quite compelling though, like his other work, at times pushed too far. My critique is with a certain categorical de-emphasis. Bauckham’s eco-theological work seems to be a (necessary) reaction to our current ecological crisis. To his credit, he deals well with the theological understanding of ‘dominion’ as dominion among, not above the rest of creation. Humans have, in other words, no hierarchy in the created order. Understanding how the Bible speaks of power, I can buy this. However, it is here that Bauckham begins to reject, or at least de-emphasize, certain human roles within creation; namely the category of priesthood. It seems that priesthood ought to be rethought rather than rejected. After stating that he doesn’t “warm to the idea that humans are the priests of creation” (84), he goes on to talk about the ‘community of creation’ and quotes Aldo Leopold who states:
“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see the land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect” (87).
I agree. However, a priest, when fulfilling her role well, also sees the community as a place in which she is a ‘member’ and fulfills her duties out of love and respect for that community. She is a fellow creature. A priest within creation should do no less. All of that to say that it seems that our understanding of priesthood needs reform, not replacing.
Where the book really shines is in it’s final chapter From Alpha To Omega. His writing on the 'Cosmic Christ’ (from both Colossians and John), and his work on cosmic renewal are astounding. Overall, worth the read if you are interested in the topic.
June 16, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, which I received as a gift. There was much I enjoyed about the book, especially the author's discussion of non-Genesis Scriptures as a way to explore the relationships between God and His creation (all aspects of the creation, animate and inanimate). As expected, I didn't agree with all of the author's theology, and at times the book seemed repetitive. By far, I appreciated the exegesis more than the pontificating. Also, I sometimes felt that the author had ideas/an idea in his mind, and set about finding and explicating Bible passages that supported his thoughts. Obviously, I don't know if that was his processes or not; that's just my readerly opinion.
Oh, and I did like how he approached (and basically dismantles) the concept of "stewardship" as it relates to human "dominion."
Regardless, I did learn a lot from this book and gained additional insight to the Scriptures he discussed. So for that reason alone, I'm glad I read it.
Oh, and I did like how he approached (and basically dismantles) the concept of "stewardship" as it relates to human "dominion."
Regardless, I did learn a lot from this book and gained additional insight to the Scriptures he discussed. So for that reason alone, I'm glad I read it.
May 21, 2025
A thoughtful and eloquent examination of the Bible’s perspective on the relationship between humanity and the rest of creation. Bauckham broadens and reshapes the traditional understanding of human dominion, grounding his insights in a rich exegesis of Job, the Psalms, and Isaiah, as well as John 1 and Colossians 1. He compellingly argues that humans are not separate rulers over creation but fellow members within the wider community of creation. In this view, the biblical story of reconciliation extends not only to humanity but to all of creation.
June 16, 2019
I didn't know that it was possible to write a book this good about this subject.
Years ago I chaired a committee which set an organization's policy on environmental issues. The "Biblical basis" section of the document was a page or two long. At the time I thought that was comprehensive and adequate. I wish I had known of Richard Bauckham! Bauckham's book gives a truly comprehensive look at what the Bible has to say about our relationship with creation and how we are to respond to its mandate.
Bauckham begins by looking into what Genesis means by stewardship and how that fits into modern humanity and our understanding of the world. He finds that stewardship does not mean any attempt to exert absolute control over creation, as that authority belongs to God. Instead, we need to respond to God's ongoing work in creation and understand our place as stewards who are within, not above it. Our relationship to the rest of creation, understood correctly, is both horizontal and vertical, we are stewards ALONGSIDE those we are stewarding rather than APART from them.
Bauckham then moves through the creation account, Adam and Eve, Noah and the flood, pulling much more out of the texts than I had seen but never appearing the least bit arbitrary or inserting anything into the text that wasn't there. He then gets into the Israelite land laws, creation in Job, in the Psalms, in the Prophets, and our hope for the future of creation as it plays through all of these. Through all of these he adds insights from Jesus and from Paul, and finally ends on the vision of Revelation.
Throughout the entire survey Bauckham doesn't merely list and evaluate passages but also coalesces their message into a systematic whole that takes the entire witness of the Bible into account. It is a careful, remarkable achievement that had to take a great deal of understanding and work to put together. I can't recommend it more highly as a theological work or a basis for forward action.
Years ago I chaired a committee which set an organization's policy on environmental issues. The "Biblical basis" section of the document was a page or two long. At the time I thought that was comprehensive and adequate. I wish I had known of Richard Bauckham! Bauckham's book gives a truly comprehensive look at what the Bible has to say about our relationship with creation and how we are to respond to its mandate.
Bauckham begins by looking into what Genesis means by stewardship and how that fits into modern humanity and our understanding of the world. He finds that stewardship does not mean any attempt to exert absolute control over creation, as that authority belongs to God. Instead, we need to respond to God's ongoing work in creation and understand our place as stewards who are within, not above it. Our relationship to the rest of creation, understood correctly, is both horizontal and vertical, we are stewards ALONGSIDE those we are stewarding rather than APART from them.
Bauckham then moves through the creation account, Adam and Eve, Noah and the flood, pulling much more out of the texts than I had seen but never appearing the least bit arbitrary or inserting anything into the text that wasn't there. He then gets into the Israelite land laws, creation in Job, in the Psalms, in the Prophets, and our hope for the future of creation as it plays through all of these. Through all of these he adds insights from Jesus and from Paul, and finally ends on the vision of Revelation.
Throughout the entire survey Bauckham doesn't merely list and evaluate passages but also coalesces their message into a systematic whole that takes the entire witness of the Bible into account. It is a careful, remarkable achievement that had to take a great deal of understanding and work to put together. I can't recommend it more highly as a theological work or a basis for forward action.
September 20, 2021
Bauckham does a wonderful job presenting an exegesis of Biblical texts about the environment which are inspiring, faithful, and avoidant of wild speculation. The book begins by answering competing theories about nature and the environment and then moves to analyze concepts from the Old and New Testaments. Bauckham has a way of critically deconstructing our easy language about these issues and using that space to help us read Biblical texts about the environment better. The overall thesis of the book is compelling. Rather than a technical idea of "stewardship" which sees our role in creation as somehow optimizing resources for what we feel nature's benefit is Bauckham presents a theology of creation where human beings live among other things in a "community of creation" good in and of itself but awaiting its final fulfillment and redemption. This will benefit your theology and exegesis even if you aren't particularly driven by environmental issues. Recommended.
March 7, 2023
Overall it is a comprehensive formulation of a Christian worldview that is faithful to their scripture. The book is comprised of interpretation of human stewardship, what non-human creatures worshipping means to human, the nuanced difference between wild as an created order and wilderness as a curse for human, and the community of not just human in the eschatological vision.
It is a fine book for those interested in biblical studies. The later chapters are especially thought-provoking. But pragmatic readers would very likely found it rather overwhelmingly fastidious.
It is a fine book for those interested in biblical studies. The later chapters are especially thought-provoking. But pragmatic readers would very likely found it rather overwhelmingly fastidious.
October 14, 2019
It was helpful to see how Bauckham marshalled scripture from Genesis to Revelations to answer theological challenges. He established a theological foundation for Christian engagement in ecological concerns.
Not being a theologian the dissection of biblical passages was alien to me yet I can see how, for theologically literate questioners, this is a vital process.
I would not recommend this for general reading but it is a go-to book for some.
Not being a theologian the dissection of biblical passages was alien to me yet I can see how, for theologically literate questioners, this is a vital process.
I would not recommend this for general reading but it is a go-to book for some.
February 13, 2013
This book was really easy to read for the depth of the content. Bauckham gets it going in creation narratives and ends with Jesus taking newness of the resurrection to a cosmic level. He asserts the importance of being human members of creation, and as followers of Jesus to seek to live in harmony both with Creator and the entire community of creation.
April 5, 2021
A powrfu corrective to my understaning of biblical "dominion", and the idea of stewardship of the creation. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to grapple with the global warming debate and man's place within the creation.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews