Resources

Trinity Theological Library

For the latest books on ecotheology see the Trinity Theological Library catalogue. Here is their 2014 list.

Book reviews

Ethics With or Without God: Christianity and morality in the 21st century.
By Noel Preston
Reviewed by Bruce Mullan, Journey

Peppered with personal recollections, wisdom and stories, this book doesn’t shirk the ethical challenges in the potentially controversial subjects of love, sex, politics and the development of responsible ecological and global principles.

Earth, Faith and Mission: The Theology and Practice of Earthcare
By Clive Ayre
Reviewed by Neil Pembroke, University of Queensland

In this carefully researched work, Clive argues that Earth-care is not an “optional extra” or a side issue, but part of what Christian mission is about. The book begins with an overview of the environmental threats in our time and goes on to outline some common responses to the natural world. The biblical and theological basis of ecological mission becomes the strong basis for the inclusion of creation care on the Church’s mission agenda. Then after considering “the big picture”, or the way in which a consensus has emerged across many confessional lines, the book addresses practical questions of what an Earth-friendly approach to mission looks like. The final issue is what it might mean to face the future with hope. An easy read and good overview.

Rainbow of Mysteries: Meeting the Sacred in Nature
By Norman Habel
Reviewed by Clive Ayre, Chair, Queensland Churches Environment Network

In his review of this book, Bruce Sanguin wrote “This book opened my heart, over and over again. Habel … was converted by ecology to a relationship with the living Earth that is pervaded by mystery”. I can only agree. I have heard Norm talking about a Rainbow Covenant, but this book spells out such an approach in a wonderful way and in a very readable style. The reader is taken on a journey of exploration—of mystery and wonder—and invited to spend time re-discovering what that means.

Care for Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth

By Ilia Delio O.S.F, Keith Douglass Warner O.F.M, and Pamela Wood
Reviewed by Miriam Pepper, Maroubra Junction Uniting Church

Drawing on the life of Francis of Assisi and centuries of Franciscan theology, tradition and practice, Care for Creation engages with the subject of creation care from a deeply Catholic perspective of reflective action; the marrying together of prayer, spiritual reflection, and practical action in the context of the ecological crisis.

Through Ecological Eyes: Reflections on  Christianity’s environmental Credentials
By Robert Barry Leal
Reviewed by David Weddell

Robert Leal’s book lives up to its name as it thoroughly examines the bible “through ecological eyes” to discover the message we often overlook. A message about God, the earth He created, and our responsibility to take care of it.

The Fragrance of God: Reflections on Finding God through the Beauty and Glory of the Natural World
By Vigen Guroian
Reviewed by Heather DenHouting, Director of Mission, Blue Care.

I was challenged by the theology, delighted by the prose, and inspired by the gentle passion contained in the book. All gardeners will love this book; all those who long to be gardeners but don’t ever do it (like me) will also love this book. If you are looking for meditative material that brings you prose and poetry from the loam, The Fragrance of God is the book for you.