This is the fifth and final post on a great book written by Dr. Steven Bouma-Prediger (Hope College) entitled For the Beauty of the Earth. In chapter 5, the author asks, "How should we think of the earth?" This chapter attempts to articulate a theology and ethic of creation care. The part of this chapter that resonated the most with me was his missiological emphasis. Now, "missiological" is a loaded word and can mean very different things to different people but for our purposes we'll just say that missiological means the mission of God. Think of God as a missionary who sent his Son, Jesus (and the Holy Spirit) to reconcile the world to Himself - including all of creation! Jesus comes to save not just us but the whole world, says B-P. The resurrection does not only pertain to us humans, it embraces the earth.
The challenge ahead for Christians is that we are called to be caretakers of the earth and that we must persuade Christians that care for the earth is an integral part of authentic Christian discipleship. Yes, I believe this is true - especially now more than ever? What do you think?
Chapter 6
This chapter engages vitue ethics by asking the question, "What kind of people ought we be?" To sum up this chapter we ought to understand which virtues are crucial for the health of the earth. The ecological virtues are:
* respect and receptivity - act so as to preserve diverse forms of life.
* self-restraint and frugality - act so as to live within your means.
* humility and honesty - act cautiously.
* wisdom and hope - act so that creatures are able to maintain themselves.
* patience and serenity - act so that creatures are given rest.
* benevolence and love - act in such a way as to care for earth's creatures.
* justice and courage - act so as to treat others fairly.
The chapter concludes with this quote, "To do the work God calls us to do, these fundamental traits of character are necessary. Character is central to the care of the earth" (160).
Chapter 7
I will close this post with a short synopsis of the chapter entitled, "Why Worry About Spotted Owls and the Pacific Yew?" by saying that creation is indeed the very first world wide web whereby we are all interconnected despite our lack of understanding how the spotted owls and pacific yews affect us as human beings. Not only do we not fully understand our relationships with creation, but it appears that God is deeply concerned not only with reconciling humanity to Himself but all of creation including mountains lions, and yes - dare I say - those blasted earwigs!
Why worry?
Because God says so.
Because we owe it to our children and grand-children.
Because the earth is valuable for its own sake.
Because care for the earth is integral to what it means to be Christian. (179).
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