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Product Description

What should Christians do to protect the Earth and its people?

Amounts and patterns of consumption and production in the West have reached a level that cannot be maintained. Lifestyles based on our present way of creating and using energy are no longer environmentally sustainable—and are threatening the health and well-being of both planet and people. Our activities and the policies that shape them need to change. In light of those realities, Spencer, White, and Vroblesky offer serious Christian engagement with the emerging issue of Sustainable Consumption and Production. They analyze the scientific, sociological, economic, and theological thinking that makes a Christian response to these trends imperative and distinctive. And they offer practical conclusions that explore and explain what can be done at the personal, community, national, and international levels to ensure that next generations will have the resources necessary for life.

Firmly rooted in the good news of the Christian faith, this is, above all, a constructive and hopeful book that offers a realistic vision of what the future could and should look like.

“This timely and well-researched book is a welcome addition to the literature on Christianity and climate change. It offers three things rarely found in a single volume: solid science clearly presented, winsome Christian theology rooted in sound biblical interpretation, andmuch practical wisdom on what we individually and collectively can and should do. I can think of no better book written from a Christian perspective on this important issue.”
—Dr. Steven Bouma-Prediger, Hope College, author of For the Beauty of the Earth: A Christian Vision for Creation Care

“This book is the most timely of reminders: if the world is to mount any kind of defense against global warming, we Christians must play a much stronger role. Not just because physics and chemistry demand it---but faith as well, as we rise to the greatest challenge to both Creation and social justice the planet has ever faced.”
—Bill McKibben, Director of 350.org, author of Deep Economy and The End of Nature

"We have many books that present North Americans with the problems of climate change and sustainable living. But this book gives us the biblical means for living well in the midst of the challenges we face. It is a prescription and a vision of hope for our time. It is nothing less than a call to what the Bible calls shalom, the full flourishing of all of creation, human and non-human alike. This book will make an excellent study guide for any group or individual."
— John Wood, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies, The Kings University College, Canada, and academic Dean, the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies

“Christianity, Climate Change, and Sustainable Living, which tackles the complexity and breadth of issues related to climate change, is extremely well written. The authors present the issue of climate change for the Christian community in a way that has great theological depth and reflects a biblical hope. The authors also present an extremely careful and nuanced case in terms of the science of climate change. And finally, they are unusually even handed in their portrayal of the international discussions and policy options that are now before the world. It is rare to find a book that can cover this breadth with such high levels of understanding across the topic, and still be clear and honest, yet hopeful!”
—Dr. Janel Curry, Dean for Research and Scholarship, Gary and Henrietta Byker Chair in Christian Perspectives on Political, Social, and Economic Thought, Calvin College, author of Community on Land: Community, Ecology, and the Public Interest

“What Spencer, White, and Vroblesky have crafted in Christianity, Climate Change, and Sustainable Living is not only what has been sorely missed in the Christian community but also represents a magnificent, balanced, and comprehensive overview from which all of society should benefit. The authors have done a masterful job in weaving scientific evidence, socio-economics, stewardship, and practicalities together presenting a winsome perspective [even a 'vision'!] that should assuage much of the skepticism and concern that has often held many back from doing anything at all. Their balanced approach should help nurture in us a desire to understand that we not only can but must work together to ensure that we can enjoy our planet with sustainable living and ecosystems for the century ahead of us — 'creation care'!"
—Dr. Alan E. Strong, Consultant-Senior Scientist, NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch, Silver Spring, MD

“This book was a pleasure and delight to read. If you only read one book on climate change and sustainability, then make it this one! Spencer, White and Vroblesky have succeeded in making this difficult and sometimes arcane scientific subject understandable. In plain language they carry the reader through a web of technical and theoretical detail. They are always sure-footed, explaining the relevant facts in every-day terms.
“But the most singular feature of this book is not just that it clearly explains climate change. There are many works that will do that for you. It is its biblical focus on sustainable living. In eight concise chapters the authors cover the nature of the problem of sustainability from a biblical perspective. They go beyond a brief introduction to an in depth analysis of the biblical rationale for caring for the earth. Humans, they emphasize, aren’t just a part of the environment; we function in our uniquely moral role within it. If we care for people, then we must also care for God’s good earth.
"Here is a vision for sustainable living for today, as well as for tomorrow. And here is clear guide to the practice of sustainable living today. The authors identify the key needs in a Christian response to the pressing needs around us. There is a need for social, economic, and environmental solutions to the complex problems we face. The authors have brought together both the theological and scientific resources necessary to explore these complex and interlinked problems. This book will make an excellent study guide for any group or individual."
—Dr. John Wood, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies, The Kings University College, Alberta, Canada, and academic Dean, the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies

“Jesus warned against discerning signs in the sky while neglecting to understand the signs of the times. Today, we have reversed the process and must recover an understanding of where our climate is heading. Christianity, Climate Change, and Sustainable Living provides a salutary warning accompanied by a healthy redirection – this book is a necessary tool to enable those living today to be ready for life tomorrow.”
—Rev. Dr. Clive Calver, Senior Pastor, Walnut Hill Community Church, former President of World Relief, and signatory to “Climate Change: An Evangelical Call to Action”

"Few challenges facing America--and the world--are more urgent than combating climate change. The science is beyond dispute and the facts are clear."
—President Barack Obama, (from the Introduction)

An online study guide will be available on the Hendrickson Web site: www.hendrickson.com

This book was printed with a FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) chain-of-custody certified printer. Highest environmental and social standards are applied to forest conservation, responsible management, and community level benefits for people near the forests that provide this paper and in the printing facilities that turned that paper into this book. The cover paper is recycled, and the book is printed on 30% post consumer waste paper, using only soy or vegetable content inks.

This book is endorsed by A Rocha: Christians in Conservation, The Jubliee Centre, The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, and The Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies.

Nick Spencer worked as a researcher and writer for the Jubilee Centre in England. He is now Director of Studies at Theos, a public theology think tank in the UK. He is also the author of Votewise and Asylum and Immigration.

Robert S. White is a Professor of Geophysics at Cambridge University, England; Associate Director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion; and a Fellow of The Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science. He is co-author with Denis Alexander of Beyond Belief: Science, Faith and Ethical Challenges.

Virginia Vroblesky is the former National Coordinator of A Rocha USA. She is the author of numerous articles and The Gift of Creation: A Study Guide on the Environment.

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