How to Rescue the Earth Without Worshipping Nature: A Christian's Call to Save Creation

by Tony Campolo

Creation was meant to glorify God. The task of the Christian, writes Tony Campolo, is not to worship nature, but to join with nature in worshiping God. "Being concerned about the environment is a biblically mandated command, and acting to rescue creation ... is a Christian obligation," Campolo says. Using the Bible and other Christian writings, Campolo builds a case for Christian environmentalism. He calls upon Christians to work for a "peaceable kingdom" of ecological harmony. "What must be made clear is that each of us has a responsibility to do something about our polluted and trashed creation right now. In anticipation of His coming, we must go to work today and contribute to the work which He will complete on the day of His coming." The consequences of Christian inaction are devastating. Few realize, for example, that more than half of all remedies in our pharmacies come from plants grown in tropical rain forests, rapidly being destroyed. So what can Christians who want to rescue the earth do? Plenty. Campolo outlines a practical way for churches and individuals to tackle environmental issues. He recommends taking an "environmental audit" to measure each church's response to conservation. He suggests turning church camps into ecological camps. And rather than membership pledges that stress only personal morality, he proposes a new covenant that includes commitment to environmental responsibility. Campolo also identifies key Christian outreach organizations that work to preserve the environment.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Science

Paperback

First published October 28, 1992

About the author

Anthony Campolo was an American sociologist, Baptist pastor, author, public speaker, and spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton. Campolo was known as one of the most influential leaders in the evangelical left and was a major proponent of progressive thought and reform within the evangelical community. He also became a leader of the Red-Letter Christian movement, which aims to put emphasis on the teachings of Jesus. Campolo was a popular commentator on religious, political, and social issues, and had been a guest on programs such as The Colbert Report, The Charlie Rose Show, Larry King Live, Nightline, Crossfire, Politically Incorrect and The Hour.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate some of what he's saying in terms of the need for Christian environmentalism, but a lot of his theology on animals is pretty out there.

[Carolyn Schofield · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a bit disappointed with this - maybe because it is rather dated now, and also very tied into the US scene.

[Robin Shreeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian who is feeling God pushing my head first into the environmental movement, this was a great book that helped me back up what I believe by using Biblical evidence. Campollo argues that it is a Christian's responsibility to care for creation, not just so that we don't ruin the world for future generations, but because creation has its place in worshipping God and by damaging it we are damaging its ability to fully declare God's glory.

While I didn't agree with everything he wrote in the book, I think it's an important read for any Christian who wonders if it's his responsibility to care for the environment.