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Ecological theology strives
to seek a theological response to creation and to the environmental damage
that is being done to it. This book is dedicated to ecotheology's important
dual task of both showing how creation reveals God and exploring ways
in which damaged creation can be healed.
The book is highly recommended and is one of a series of ecotheology projects
from the Centre for Theology, Science and Culture, a research centre of
Flinders University and the Adelaide College of Divinity. This is a good
general introduction for those curious to know more about ecotheology.
It contains 12 chapters on a diverse range of subjects connected with
environmental theology. Some of these chapters deal with core areas of
traditional theological interest such as the Trinity or Creation, others
come from a more cultural or practical perspective and deal with topics
such as landscape, bioethics and globalisation.
Each chapter begins with Aboriginal artwork and poems which reflect the
ecological and spiritual themes of the work. It is also valuable for those
already interested in ecotheology. Of special significance are chapters
exploring Christology and Eschatology, which tend to be problematic areas
for ecotheologians, and can therefore be neglected.
Duncan Reid usefully suggests that Christology can take on a greater ecological
significance if we can shift our focus and see incarnation as being primarily
about the Word becoming flesh, rather than about the Word becoming human.
Gregory Brett looks at Eschatology, which ecological theology has in the
past accused of placing so much hope in a future world that it has in
effect sanctioned a disregard of this world, a view which has tolerated
or even encouraged environmental vandalism. Brett believes that this is
to misunderstand eschatology, and argues that we need to learn to see
the present as inextricably linked to the unfinished future, which would
help us more fully to be aware of the sacred in the present world and
the present time.
The general theological reader will also find this book of interest as
it incorporates recent insights from a range of theological disciplines
such as process, feminist and Trinitarian theology. The diversity of interests
and backgrounds among the contributors reflects the fact that "Unity in
difference is at the heart of… ecological theology".
This collaborative Australian work reflects and contributes to the ongoing
development of ecotheology as a significant theological discipline.
Deborah Guess is the Administrator
at Trinity College Theological School and is doing research in the area
of Ecotheology with the Melbourne College of Divinity.
Amazon.co.uk
link
This review first appeared
in the June edition of The Melbourne Anglican.
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