Justice on Earth: People of Faith Working at the Intersections of Race, Class, and the Environment

by Manish Mishra-Marzetti (Editor), Jennifer Nordstrom

This highly anticipated anthology presents a powerful and penetrating look at environmental justice from some of the key thinkers and activists in Unitarian Universalism today. Fourteen activist ministers and lay leaders apply a keen intersectional analysis to the environmental crisis, revealing ways that capitalism, white supremacy, patriarchy, and other systems of oppression intersect with and contribute to ecological devastation. They also explore how spiritual practices, congregational organizing, and progressive theology can inform faith-based justice work in the twenty-first century. These prophetic voices, from a wide range of perspectives, reveal new approaches and opportunities for more holistic, accountable, and connected justice efforts. Each essay is accompanied by suggested ways to take the next steps for further learning and action.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Religion, Social Justice, Ecology

176 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2018

Reviews

[Aly Tharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice on Earth is energizing and illuminating --- Reading it filled me with motivation to work towards environmental justice in prophetic and deep ways, grounded in Unitarian Universalist faith community and values. I hope every Unitarian Universalist will read this book and take its messages to heart and into the world.

[Tracey Howe-Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of books on environmentalism. While this is written from a UU perspective, it has so much more to offer in better ways to conduct eco-justice work and advocacy. I particularly like how it connects environmental issues to other social justice issues and how we can work together. I really recommend everyone read it.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Unitarian-Universalist denominational read for 2019. It's a book of essays. Many, but not all of the contributors are UU ministers. This collection has both breadth and depth. It includes both the spiritual and the practical. I particularly enjoyed the individual perspectives and personal experiences told very well. It's realistic and, at the same time, uplifting.

[KD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m looking forward to discussing this with folks from Prairie Unitarian Universalist society at our fall retreat in a few weeks.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the 2018-19 "Common Read" chosen by the Unitarian Universalist Association. I was unable to attend my congregation's discussion group, but I finished the book. It's a collection of essays discussing the ways in which racial justice, environmental justice, and economic justice are interrelated. Some of the essays were too jargon-y for enjoyable reading, but I learned and became more aware of ways to become more involved.

[Summer Lander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our congregation read as part of the UU common read, which is the only reason I read most of it. It's a collection of essays so some were great and addressed real ways our values can create environmental justice. But for me, most of the essays were too academic and load with theological jargon to be accessible for those who are not seminarians.

[Jerry Wall · Rating 1 out of 5]

essays on environment and things that can be done for improvement.
Each essay has its concern and approach.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for those seeking to understand more about intersectionality and environmental justice in a Unitarian Universalist context.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of well chosen essays has changed my way of thinking about my, and all human's, relationship to the earth and all its beings. The intersection of all concerns must be recognized in order that the needs of all beings can be met. Concerns of race, gender, age, and more are all bound together in the well being of our home: the earth. Although it is written by and for Unitarian Universalists, in my opinion it could be read by people of all faiths, just substituting another word for UUism.
After reading this last November, I have now re-read it in preparation for a discussion with a Reading For Change group. I got even more out of it the second time around. Intersectionality, with groups with different goals working together on common goals is such an important way to get results that benefit all, whether they be working to eliminate racism, to provide equal rights for women and the LGBT communitiy, or to save our earth from extinction.