Introducing Evangelical Ecotheology: Foundations in Scripture, Theology, History, and Praxis

Today's church finds itself in a new world, one in which climate change and ecological degradation are front-page news. In the eyes of many, the evangelical community has been slow to take up a call to creation care. How do Christians address this issue in a faithful way?
This evangelically centered but ecumenically informed introduction to ecological theology (ecotheology) explores the global dimensions of creation care, calling Christians to meet contemporary ecological challenges with courage and hope. The book provides a biblical, theological, ecological, and historical rationale for earthcare as well as specific practices to engage both individuals and churches. Drawing from a variety of Christian traditions, the book promotes a spirit of hospitality, civility, honesty, and partnership. It includes a foreword by Bill McKibben and an afterword by Matthew Sleeth.
Contents
Foreword by Bill McKibben
Part I: Why Ecotheology?
1. Introduction: The Stories behind the Story
Our Stories
The Structure of this Book
2. In the Beginning: Listening to the Voice of Scripture
The Problem
God's Two Books
Biblical Reasons for Creation Care
3. The Voice of Creation: The Grandeur and the Groaning of the Earth
The Grandeur of Creation
The Scientist as Prophet
The Groaning of Creation
Part II: Exploring Ecotheology
4. Voices in the Wilderness: Christianity's History with Creation
Early Christianity
Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Western Christianity
The Birth of Contemporary Christian Ecotheology
5. The God of Burning Bushes: Trinity and Ecology
Trinity
Christology
Pneumatology
6. Restoring Eden: Ancient Theology in an Ecological Age
Creation
Sin
Salvation and Redemption
Eschatology
Part III: Doing Ecotheology
7. Breaking the Bonds: Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Lightly
Developing an Ecotheological Mindset
Ethics and Action
Ecojustice and Oppression
8. Heavenly Minded, Earthly Good: Embodying Down-to-Earth Living
Staying Rooted
Cultivating Awareness
Practicing Centering Prayer
Keeping the Sabbath
Living Simply
Resisting Consumerism
Eating Justly
Conserving Water
Reducing Waste
Keeping a Garden
9. Earthen Vessels: Greening the Church
Greening Leadership
Greening Land and Space
Greening Worship
Greening Mission
Part IV: Last Things
10. Living As If: Resurrection Hope
The Journey to Hope
Living in Hope
Index