Environmental Stewardship in the Judeo-Christian Tradition: Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant Wisdom on the Environment

by Action Institute, Jay W. Richards (Introduction), Action Institute

A fair and honest debate about religious responses to environmental issues should always distinguish theological principles from prudential judgments.  The Cornwall Declaration and the accompanying essays in this volume were written to do just that.  They were not written to provide theological rationale for current environmentalist fashion.  Rather, they seek to articulate the broad Judeo-Christian theological principles concerning the environment, and to distinguish those principles from contrary ideas popular in the environmental movement.

Genres: Theology, Environment

119 pages, Paperback

First published April 17, 2000

Reviews

[John Kusmec · Rating 1 out of 5]

“A fair and honest debate” is quite a misleading line for this synopsis. There is no consideration of other views and, quite honestly, very little page space spent on how these religions relate to this issue. I realize that this book is quite out of date, but it would have been just as outdated when it was published. The authors are “speaking for ourselves and not officially on behalf of our respective communities;” I can think of no other statement I agree with more in this book.

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Setting aside the fact that most of the science is outdated, this book was not helpful. It gave very little theological or ecumenical information on the act of environmental stewardship. There was a teeming underbelly of political motivation the whole time, including demonization of environmentalists. If you’re open to considering a more politically conservative perspective, I suppose it’s ok. If you’re looking for a thoughtful theological perspective on Creation Care, skip this one.

[Emma Grace]

Frustrated as all get out. Takes an unexpected political bent wherein all 3 essays go on and on about private property rights. “A fair and honest debate” goes out the window when all the religious responses aren’t from varying POVs within the religion as well. The Protestant view talks about G-d less than the Jewish and Catholic views. Would make good kindling for my ruck in a /state park/.

[Dwight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walks the line between extreme environmentalism (Nature is god, everything man does is wrong or bad, which is weird because man is just another animal) and the other extreme (can't think of a good name, man is god, everything man does is right).

It is a little to the right of center because it is based on the biblical principle that man is the pinnacle of creation. However man is also the steward of creation.