Reviewed by Glynden Bode
This book is a wonderful, rich collection of short essays from a wide variety of experts, scholars, theologians, faith leaders, and others. The Foreword was written by Desmond Tutu.
The essays address, from different perspectives, the question:
“Do we have a moral obligation to take action to protect the future of a planet in peril?”
Fourteen sections group the essays that are written using a particular lens. Here are a few examples:
Yes, for the survival of humankind.
Yes, for the sake of the children.
Yes, to honor our duties of gratitude and reciprocity.
Yes, for the stewardship of God’s creation.
Yes, because compassion requires it.
Yes, because justice demands it.
Yes, because our moral integrity requires us to do what is right.
Yes, because the world is beautiful.
Every section concludes with an “Ethical Action” section that offers questions for reflection and possible ways individuals can take meaningful action.
Some of the writers are: The Dalai Lama, John Paul II, The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Wendell Berry, Barbara Kingsolver, Bill McKibben, Thich Nhat Hanh, Sallie McFague, Marcus J. Borg, … and many others.
Though the book is nearly 500 pages, each essay is about 2 – 8 pages, so it’s easy to read a just little or to pick it up when you have a few minutes.
I encourage you to consider taking a look at this volume that addresses a big issue for our day – through many lenses, including but not solely, science. It could be a good accompaniment for a retreat focused on God’s creation and our care for it.