Saving God's Green Earth: Rediscovering the Church's Responsibility to Environmental Stewardship

by Tri Robinson, Jason Chatraw

For hundreds of years, the church championed the beauty of God’s creation, demonstrating in many ways how it points to the Creator. However, over the last century, the evangelical church has let the value of caring for creation slip away. Author and pastor Tri Robinson makes a compelling case for the biblical mandate behind environmental stewardship and shows the church what it can do about this eroding value. Through sharing both his own personal story and the story of his church in response to environmental concerns, Robinson clearly shows how important this value is and how effective it is in showing others the Creator. Not only does Robinson inspire the reader to care for the environment, he reveals a clear pathway to making the value of environmental stewardship real in both the life of the reader and the Christian community in which he or she is involved.

Genres: Christian, Environment, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kate]

Robinson's story is one of the most engaging of all the evangelical environmentalists. His book is also one of the most straightforward, honest, and easily understood. It's a great choice for a heartfelt introduction to caring for creation.

[Bobby]

Good introduction to why and how Christians should be at the forefront of protecting our environment, but doesn't delve much deeper than that (possibly due to length and intent of the author)

[Trudy Pomerantz]

I was so hopeful as I started to read this book but I ended up being disappointed. I'm definitely into reducing my 'carbon footprint' for the very reasons that Robinson outlines in his book. However, I felt that his environmentalism was simply glummed on to his Christianity. He appeared to accept everything that was said by environmentalists without question. While he mentioned that people in his congregation had done some work with invasive species, I am personally of the belief that this is a HUGE problem. And suburban grass deserts - don't get me started - but these did not rate a mention in this book. And my observation has been that most church are grass deserts. VERY disappointed.

[Hayla]

I read this back in 8th or 9th grade and it was so refreshing to read that there is a spiritual leader who felt the same passion for God’s creation that I did. It was exactly what I needed and remains a favorite Spiritual living book.
On second read, I found a sentence that I disagreed with in the first chapter and I am not of the same political leanings as the author conservative vs liberal speaking; however, I still found the bulk of the book to be refreshing and I’d recommend it to anyone.

[brooklenn leanne]

I really enjoy this book breaking down the conception that Christians are all earth hating destruction advocates!

[Karen Lawson]

I wish every person who claims to be a Christian would read this book.

[James]

This book was a library find. It makes the case for Christian environmental stewardship from an Evangelical perspective. Essentially Tri Robinson argues for the care of nature because, creation matters to God, nature is one of the places we meet God, and good stewardship of natural resources enables us to care for our fellow humans (i.e. clean water, is an environmental and a human ethical issue). This book is about six years old, slightly dated and is really aimed at igniting environmental concern amoung evangelicals who don't care about this issue (or don't know why they should). It is slightly dated, not particularly deep but has some good things to say. Each of the chapters is broken up by profiles of Evangelicals who are passionate about environmental stewardship.

[Heather]

Finally! A book that addresses environmentalism from a Christian standpoint! Wasn't the best writing style or story, but great information and ideas about starting a church-based environmental program as a ministry outreach. What a great idea! Shouldn't all Christians be excited about caring for God's Creation! Short book and easy to read.

[Rhonda D.]

This was a good overview of why Christians should care about the environment because it is God's creation. It is always refreshing and encouraging (to action that is!) to read on this topic. I wanted it to go further in depth. For a more practical approach, read Matthew Sleeth's Serve God, Save the Planet. For a more theological approach, read Redeeming Creation by Fred Van Dyke et al.

[Brian]

very practical book on bringing faith/environment together as one. he says that to care for the environment is to care for God's people...we can't separate the two.
some very practical ways for individuals and church communities to lead the way in caring for the earth God created. I'm excited to see what's in store for me/us.

[Jeff Bjorgan]

Although it was written 6 years ago and its ideas seem common sense to the Canadian church context, the enthusiasm Robinson lends to the Christian environmental movement is palatable. He makes a particularly strong case for environmentalism being part of the value of the sanctity of life. Not very many books like this one out there.

[Stacy Milacek]

It seems that Christians too often shy away from taking care of the earth God has given us. This book is great in reminding us why we should become environmentalists and how we can do that in the best way possible.

[Katie]

I don't know where I'm going to find this, the library, OhioLink and SearchOhio don't have it:( I might actually have to purchase it!

[Nick Woodall]

I wish more Christians had this mindset and philosophy that they are God's caretakers of this earth!

[Ann]

Great perspective on the need of Christians to care for the earth

[Renee]

About time there was an evangelical christian response to the environmental mess we're in.