In this well-argued and timely book, Bauckham considers the relationship of humans to the rest of creation.He 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 has too often been used as a justification for domination and exploitation of the earth’s resources. He also critiques the notion of stewardship as being on the one hand presumptuous, and on the other too general a term to explain our key responsibilities in caring for the earth. In countering this, he considers other biblical perspectives, including the book of Job, the Psalms and the Gospels, and re-evaluates the biblical tradition of ‘dominion’, in favour of a ‘community of creation’.With its clear analysis and thought-provoking conclusions, The Bible and Ecology is an essential read for anyone interested in a biblically grounded approach to ecology.

This book offers Christian laypeople a brief and accessible perspective on what the Bible teaches about ecology and about Christians’ responsibility to care for the environment. The book situates these subjects within the framework of the Bible’s overarching teachings about creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. The author also explores his theme by examining relevant scientific and historical data, as well as by discussing the history of philosophy and theology. The book’s chapters and subsections are brief, making the discussion easy to follow, and the volume ends with practical tips for how people of faith can care for the environment in their daily lives. Key points and features:Handy and accessible book on an increasingly vital topicIncludes practical tips for how Christians can care for the environment in their daily livesAffordable and relevant guidebook for pastors, students, teachers, people in the pews, and more

The biblical and Christian traditions have long been seen to have legitimated and encouraged humanity's aggressive domination of nature. Biblical visions of the future, with destruction for the earth and rescue for the elect, have also discouraged any concern for the earth's future or the welfare of future generations. But we now live in a time when environmental issues are at the centre of political and ethical debate. What is needed is a new reading of the biblical tradition that can meet the challenges of the ecological issues that face humanity at the beginning of the third millennium. 'The Bible and the Environment' examines a range of biblical texts - from Genesis to Revelation - evaluating competing interpretations. The Bible provides a thoroughly ambivalent legacy. Certainly, it cannot provide straightforward teaching on care for the environment but nor can it simply be seen as an anti-ecological book. Developing an 'ecological hermeneutic' as a way of mediating between contemporary concerns and the biblical text, 'The Bible and the Environment' presents a way of productively reading the Bible in the context of contemporary ecology.

The Bible is full of images of God caring for his creation in all its complexity. Yet experts warn us that a so-called perfect storm of factors threatens the future of life on earth. The authors assess the evidence for climate change and other threats that our planet faces in the coming decades while pointing to the hope God offers the world and the people he made.

Mark Bredin opens contemporary ecological concerns to the teachings of Jesus. He shows how the New Testament gives us the moral bearings we need to respond to disturbing global trends such as the loss of biodiversity, deforestation, and the shortage of food and clean water.

Biologists Fred Van Dyke, David C. Mahan, Joseph K. Sheldon and Raymond H. Brand provide hope for today's environmental crisis and bring Scripture into dialogue with current scientific findings and commitments.