Redeeming Creation: The Biblical Basis for Environmental Stewardship

By Fred Van Dyke

Book Overview

"Preeeeep." The sound of the peepers, tiny frogs an inch or two long, penetrated the dusk. Beneath the jack pines at the edge of a small pond in the northern Michigan woods, the males were calling their mates. A professor and a group of ecology students sat speechless as closer and closer, louder and louder, more and more peepers joined in chorus.There was just light enough to see them, crawling up a bracken fern to find a singing perch, filling their throats with air like tiny balloons about to burst and then giving forth at close range an ear-splitting 'preeeeep.; . . . Now we were immersed in the peepers' lives, not ours. And when the concert ended and the peepers had gone away, we laughed together for the sheer joy and power of life displayed for a moment in the grand efforts of one tiny creature to be fruitful and multiply."Combining compelling stories with both biblical and scientific investigation, Redeeming Creation addresses the ecological crisis we face today.

population explosionrain forests stripped baredestruction of animal habitatthe death of entire speciesdepletion of the ozone layerglobal warming

The authors, four biologists and teachers, believe that we can face these dilemmas with hope. Moving beyond a mere survey of the planet's ills, they bring Scripture into fruitful dialogue with current scientific findings and commitments. They both inspire and inform our individual and corporate response to God's creation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830818723
• ISBN13: 9780830818723
• Release Date: March 1996
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Thoughtfully written

A very thoughtfully written book on the use of scripture to support, rather than trash our environment and ecological systems. Very pleased.

This is a book everybody should read and follow

This is without exception, the best book I have ever read giving evidence of the immortaility of animals but also the crucial need for man to start taking our responsibility in caring for creation as God so instructed and commanded us to do. This book will shock Christians, environmentalist, and anyone who does not know the real truth about what is happening due to the sins of man and the plight of all creation both man and beast if man does not change our ways. The attitude that "Well Jesus is going to return anyway" is a selfish and sinful excuse. What we are leaving our children is hopelessness should we not make some simple self-sacrificing changes in our life style in the way we treat creation and view the Creator of all.

One of the best Christian books on the environment

I'm the director of a Christian environmental website, and I've read dozens of Christian books on ecology and the environment. This is one of my all-time favorites. I love this book! It may very well be the best book on the Biblical basis for environmental stewardship! Buy it for yourself, or buy it as a textbook for environmental study. Outstanding! What makes it particularly unique and special is that it is written by 4 biologists! My only complaint is that there is little or no mention of the great Christian conservationist, John Paul II. It's still very much worth a read.

This is perfect for a glance at the Christian Env. Ethic!

This book has changed my life by showing me how we, as Christians, must take a closer and more careful look at how we have a responsibility in ecology and envirmentalism today. Scripture references make it "an enviromental Bible study" and forces the reader to dig deeper into his or her beliefs. Take time to think about what you REALLY believe and change others by sharing this powerful book!

Foundational resource for advocacy of creation care

This book describes the biblical basis for the caretaking of creation--a relevant issue for all members of the global community. The book is written by four professors who explain the importance of understanding the value of all creation, including human beings. "Redeeming Creation" describes the unique role we humans have in ruling and subduing the remainder of creation as well as some of the consequences that have resulted from our misunderstanding of this role of ruling and subduing. Much published material has focued on ways that Christianity as a religion has exploted creation and exasperated the environmental and social pains of our planet. "Redeeming Creation" illuminates the claim that a correct understanding of the Bible is necessary not only for Christians to live by, but also for all members of the global community to conform to as we seek to address environmental and social injustices.