Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action

by J. Matthew Sleeth and Matthew Sleeth

Book Overview

Not long ago, J. Matthew Sleeth had a fantastic life and a great job as chief of the medical staff at a large hospital. He was living the American dream--until he saw an increasing number of his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0310275342
• ISBN13: 9780310275343
• Release Date: March 2007
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Absolutely disgusting take on women and children

I’m sorry, but what is this guy trying to say about women and children?? That they should die more often during childbirth? I pitched this book in the trash. Do it waste your time on this “Christian” book. I’m afraid that even secular humans would agree that what he said regarding women during child birth is disgusting.

Inspired to change

After reading Dr.Sleeth's book I was inspired to change to flourescent light bulbs, stop using our dryer. get a clothesline and bike to work. Dr.Sleeth makes his appeal in a way that helps one understand how one person or family can reduce their impact on the environment. He appeals from a Christian perspective and connects in a way that strict environmentalists often cannot. I'd recommend his book to anyone trying to understand how their daily actions and lifestle impact the environment and what they can do to minimize that.

A Five Lighbulb Rating

"Serve God and Save the Planet" is a truly challenging work that addresses current environmental concerns and their global and humanitarian implications. This book WILL make many squirm in their easy chairs, Christian and non-Christian alike. Though it is written from a Christian standpoint, it crosses all denominational lines and sectarian boundaries. It is at the same time easy to read but not easy reading. Dr. Sleeth, former emergency room physician, relates his experiences in the ER, personal life stories as well as his travels to third world countries with a gifted sense of compassion. While presenting the facts of our global condition and the impact that our daily habits and routines have on our planet, our culture and on other cultures, Dr. Sleeth provides realistic and obtainable goals for individuals to step up to the plate and begin assuming responsibilty, not only toward Mother Earth but her often overlooked and neglected inhabitants as well. Change is not easy. Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door as call for change. "Serve God and Save the Planet", like Luther's 95 theses, is a present day wake up call to the church (Christendom) and our western culture of similar magnitude. Sit back in your favorite chair with this fascinating and excellently written book and prepare to get uncomfortable! R.R. Coddington

Christian Stewardship One Lightbulb At a Time

'Serve God, Save the Planet', is a groundbreaking environmental book that presents the caretaking of earth as a biblically supported Christian mandate. Although Dr. Sleeth delivers his environmental message from a Christian point of view, this is a book which will serve all readers, regardless as to their religious affiliation or personal causes. The former Emergency Room doctor and Chief of Staff of his hospital informs us that although the earth is indeed facing a critical time in terms of global warming and man's rampant and continual contribution to that warming, there are measures we can take to lessen and slow that impact---we need not feel helpless, there is something we each can do. He tells the story of his realization that saving humanity ER style was not enough. As a result of both a practical and spiritual assessment of his life, Dr. Sleeth ultimately embraces Christianity, quits his affluent lifestyle and his practice of medicine and begins to work full time on solving the problem that brings so many to the Emergency Room to begin with, that of our ever warming and ailing earth. Dr. Sleeth makes his case through sad and humorous emergency room and life stories. Through his experiences he connects us to the real human cost of continuing to use energy as we do. He shows us that the daily choices we make can significantly alter our impact on the production of greenhouse gases, further supporting his message of the need for a proactive stewardship of earth with scriptural wisdom. You will finish this unusual `environmental' book impressed by the integrity of the author and infused with a real hope that as a human family we can use our numbers to give our children a world more like the one our grandparents knew; one with clean water and clean air and a future filled with hope and not despair. And don't be surprised if you find yourself turning things off and changing light bulbs soon after reading the last page.

Convicting while Instructing

I found this book to be an easy read although it does contain a wealth of information. Many of the topics confirm scripture and many are confirmed by life around me but all of the points are very motivational for change. Some of Dr. Sleeth's personal stories brought a chuckle and others moved me with deep compassion. I purchased four copies of the book to give to friends and family, including my son and daughter-in-law who live in Washington state. They both are marine biologists and are very interested in environmental issues. They struggle when it comes to convincing their church friends that we are all responsible to God to take care of this planet. This book is such a great tool because it makes it so clear...if we love God and we say we love what He loves, we must act like it. Taking care of the earth is one of our responsibilities before God and it is not optional. My husband is an oral surgeon and we attend a conservative, independent Baptist church. Our pastor read the book and now is planning to organize a workshop on stewardship for area churches using this book. I give this book five stars for convicting and instructing me to change. I thank Dr. Sleeth for helping to bridge the gap between environmentalist and Christians...a gap that clearly should not exist.