The environmental movement is now firmly rooted among Christians, with individuals, churches, communities, and non-profit groups embracing eco-justice as a central and significant part of discipleship. 50 Ways to Help Save the Earth: How You and Your Church Can Make a Difference (Westminster John Knox Press) is a new book out by environmental activist Rebecca Barnes-Davies that clarifies this important connection between stewardship of the earth and living out one's faith in God in Christ.
Barnes-Davies says, "Our task is to learn to reshape our lives to honor rather than destroy God's creation ... If we are to save the earth, we must save it from ourselves." This book restates and reinforces the values of conservation by reducing, reusing, recycling, gardening, and (most difficult, in my opinion) knowing when to say "enough" and be content with what one has. It's important to take action engaging in advocacy and eco-justice activity, yet it's also about "not doing" in the sense of discerning when to let go of control, doing no harm, resting, celebrating, and trusting that God is also working to care for creation via other means.
Check out a review of the book at RNS.
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