Book Reviews & Summaries

Australian Anglicans & the Environment

Eco Theology

Reviews

Larsson, P. (2004) “Your will be done on earth..” – Ecological Theology for Asia: An ecumenical textbook for theological schools. Christian Conference of Asia, Hong Kong.

Cameron, A. (2005) Environment – a Christian response Booklet. Social Issues Executive, Anglican Diocese of Sydney, NSW.

Summaries

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“Your will be done on earth..” – Ecological Theology for Asia: An ecumenical textbook for theological schools.

Written by Pers Larsson and published by Christian Conference of Asia, Hong KongISBN 962-7439-41-X, paperback, 140 pages, published 2004.

The cover photo shows a eucharistic service in Hong Kong in 2004, which had the theme ‘Take part in the salvation of Creation – Jesus’ challenge to the church today’. The book takes up the themes of the World Council of Churches project for Justice Peace and the Integrity of Creation, and emphasises that threats to justice, peace and the integrity of Creation are not three different threats, but different faces of the same threat. It begins with a call for churches to challenge society on environmental issues, and a review of the threats imposed by war, by HIV/AIDS, by climate change, by scarcity of water, by inequalities of resource use between nations. It then discusses ecotheological themes in the bible – creation, covenants with all creation, salvation, stewardship, Sabbath and jubilee, and incarnation. Then there is a brief account of ecological aspects of theology in the history of the church, from the church fathers to the modern ecumenical views. There is a strong call for churches to take specific actions – to focus on creation in worship, to be the voice of the poor, to encourage Christians to be active in environmental work, to preach and teach, to be a prophetic voice on the issue. The appendices include a form of Eucharist for Environment Sunday.It is an excellent book – easy to read, comprehensive, challenging and direct.

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Environment – a Christian response

Booklet (12 pages, DL size, all colour. Written by Andrew Cameron for the Social Issues Executive, Anglican Diocese of Sydney. Available through Moore Books, King St, Newtown, NSW.

The booklet starts by asking questions. Who matters most – animals? people? living things? ecological systems? These are the questions behind philosophical views of the environment. Some say Christianity encourages exploitation of nature – is this true? The biblical themes that support environmental concern are summarised – laws to protect the natural environment, respect and delight in creation, the recurring theme of the garden of God. This leads to the conclusion that ‘conservation is too human-focussed while preservation does not rate humanity highly enough.’ Cameron argues that the approach of sustainable development fits well with a God-centred view of the environment. The brochure then has some suggestions for action. Get involved in the political debate. Act locally. Be informed about the global issues. It is written for Australian Christians, and is readable and helpful. It is a good starting point for discussion with non-Christian friends with an interest in the environment.

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Book Summaries

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Environment – a Christian response

Written by Andrew Cameron for the Social Issues Executive (SIE), Anglican Diocese of Sydney. Booklet (12 pages), DL size, all colour. Available through Moore Books, King St, Newtown, NSW.

This booklet is a good introduction to environmental issues and addresses questions relevant to Christians. The SIE also produces free weekly social issues briefings. To recieve them send an email to social.issues@moore.edu.au with 'Sign me up!' in the subject line.

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To Seek Peace, Justice and Sustainable Lifestyle

Published by the Christian Conference of Asia, China. Paperback, 192 pages, published 2003.

Participants from 14 Asian countries attended this Consultation on “Interfaith Cooperation in Asia” which held April 5-10 2003 in Parapat, North Sumatera, Indonesia.  The participants coming from the 4 major faiths of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity met to seek the commonalities they share as a starting point for cooperation in working towards peace, justice and sustainable lifestyles.

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Search for better Tomorrow

Published by Christian Conference of Asia, Hong Kong. Paperback, 126 pages, published 2002.

Contains papers presented at the Consultation on "Earth is our Home: A Religious Response to Climate Change in Asia."

Information from this consultation is also available from the World Council of Churches web pages.

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Stewards of all of Creation (out of print)

Edited by Mr. Carlos B. Mendoza. Published by Christian Conference of Asia, Hong Kong. Paperback, 199 pages, published 2001.

Contains papers presented at Christian Conference of Asia - Environmental Training 2001. The program aims to equip participants with holistic understanding, experiences and strategies to support and motivate churches in environmental protection and development in Asia.

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Climate Change: A Challenge to Sustainable Development in Asia (out of print)

Published by Christian Conference of Asia Development and Service Desk, Hong Kong. Paperback, 185 pages, published 1998.

Contains papers presented at the Inter-religious Consultation on Climate Change jointly sponsored by CCA, WCC, ACISCA (Association of Christian Institutes for Social Concerns in Asia) and NCC Japan (Kyoto, November 30 - December 5, 1997).

Eco Theology

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