Green Revolution: Coming Together to Care for Creation

by Ben Lowe, Shane Claiborne (Foreword)

We are facing planet-sized challenges. Climate change and environmental crises can be pretty immobilizing, and we can fall into the temptation of thinking that we can't make a difference. But it's not just about what we can do on our own to make a difference. It's about what we can do when we mobilize together as a movement and combine for community action. Activist Ben Lowe calls the present generation to come together and care for the earth in a way that recent generations have not. Telling real-life stories of community organizing on college campuses across the nation, Lowe shows us that little things can make a big difference when we all work together. We now have an opportunity to show the world what it looks like when Christians care for the planet God gave us, so that future generations can live sustainably. This is our moment. This is our issue. Come join the green revolution.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Environment, Science, Social Issues, Faith

206 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2009

Reviews

[Christine]

Full confession--I skimmed this book (climate science from when it was written in 2006 isn't the most urgent thing for me to read at this present moment), but thought it has some great nuggets. Ben Lowe really "gets" it--he understands why the church has been hesitant to act on climate and other environmental issues, yet makes a great case for why environmental stewardship ought to be part of Christian discipleship now.

I think this would be a great book for a church study--Ben moves intentionally from what the issue is and how it impacts our neighbors, to what is being done & what you can do to help. He makes a clear case from scripture and backs up his writing with great inserts from current Christian leaders.

Politics and climate change are at a different point than when it was written, (climate change only further confirmed and politics just wonky right now), so it did feel dated. I'd love to see a revised edition that addresses this current moment!

[Thomas McElrath · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book 17 years ago when I was younger. It’s full of optimism and hope, all of which I need still. However, the environmental and political landscape have made this book a bit outdated and there are better books about creation care to read overall. But don’t get me wrong, I still admire the author and his passion, and wish I had half of his tenacity and outgoing evangelism for creation care. There are still lots of fundamental truths in this book.

[Adam Zuwerink · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is nothing wrong with the idea of this book - young people should "be the change they want to see" in the world when it comes to environmental matters - and every little change helps. But... I had to look up the definition of the word "callow" to make sure I was using it right to describe the writing. I was.

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too often Evangelicals can get caught up in petty and minor debates, while ignoring big picture issues and global calamities, so this book was a pleasant change. Ben Lowe is young, but makes a compelling case for the need for Christians (and Evangelicals in particular) to take up the issue of stewardship and creation care. He uses real life examples to demonstrate positive steps that have already been taken, and discussing where progress is still needed. I read this right around the time of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si, and I hope Evangelicals can join with their Catholic brethren to care for this world.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Lowe's call to the younger evangelical demographic to take a stand for the importance of creation care. It is a well-written and interesting read, with useful anecdotes, insightful challenges, and inspiring directives. A fantastic book to use in a church youth group or college environmental group.

[Ian Scherling · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, layman's terms book that invites people from every walk of life to join in the intrinsically important care for God's creation. Especially good for new Christians or those who want to get in touch and involved with green issues locally.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trash, had to read for a class.