The Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation (Sarum Theological Lectures)

New
Paperback
2010
$53.44

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 1awhich, 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.

Synopsis

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 1awhich, 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.

$53.44

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20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 176
Publisher: Baylor University Press
Published: 15 Aug 2010
ISBN 10: 1602583102
ISBN 13: 9781602583108

Media Reviews

Without question the book is essential reading for anyone interested in the Bible's understanding of ecology and humanity's place in God's community of creation. The book is accessible to general readers and is an indispensable source for scholars. It should be carefully and widely read. -- Reviews in Religion and Theology (2012, 19:1)
Bauckham has forced us to reconsider again the question of stewardship and the place of humans in the community of creation. He carefully explores a range of biblical texts that highlight God's care of creation and the place of humans in that community. --Review of Biblical Literature (August 2011)
Bauckham has a made a valuable contribution to the debate about how ecology relates to the Bible, especially the move from ecological inter-dependence to creation as a community of crucial and meaningful inter-relationships. --Norman Habel, Professorial Fellow, Flinders University, South Australia
In this book Richard Bauckham brings his characteristic clarity of thought and attentiveness to textual detail to matters of theology and ecology. Ranging well beyond the accounts of Genesis 1-2, Bauckham presents the rich, complex and multilayered ways in which the Bible speaks about humans, animals and the rest of creation. Bauckham's analysis suggests a lively and life-giving set of prescriptions for how humans might engage and even enhance creation without violating its God-given integrity. --Stephen Fowl, Professor of Theology, Loyola University Maryland
Extremely significant in its thesis and compelling in its execution, The Bible and Ecology even has a touch of humor here and there. --Bruce Longenecker, W.W. Melton Chair of Religion, Baylor University
A great resource ... on Christianity and the environment. --Brian C. Dennert, Themelios (2011, 36:3)
... a superb choice for lay people, pastors and Bible college students... -- Christina Richie, Boston College -- Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Overall, this is a very successful book which demonstrates the Bibleas relevance to a vital issue. -- Stephen Finamore, Bristol Baptist College -- Evangelical Quarterly

Author Bio

Richard Bauckham was, until 2007, Professor of New Testament Studies and Bishop Wardlaw Professor in the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and is now Professor Emeritus at St Andrews. A fellow of both the British Academy and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, he is the author of many books including Jesus and the Eye-Witnesses (winner of the 2009 Michael Ramsey Prize for Theological Writing) and Bible and Mission: Christian Witness in a Postmodern World.