Climate and Christ - the Prophetic Alternative
New book by Edward P Echlin
In his new book on climate and the church, Edward P. Echlin says,
'Jesus and
the church - which is Jesus as community today - along with other faiths,
have much in our tradition to help stem the rising tide and restabilise
climate. ... If humanity is to avoid global ecocide, and make the transition
to sustainable ways of living alternative to fossil fuel driven 'growth'
economics, the contribution of all world faiths will be important.'
The book has chapters on climate dynamics, evolution, Jesus Christ, and a
prophetic alternative way of living sustainably inspired by Jesus' own
lifestyle.
The Book is dedicated to Operation Noah. For more information read: echlin-climate-christ.pdf (Book flyer) or read below -
echlin-climate-christ1.jpg Front of book flyer
echlin-climate-christ2.jpg Back of Book flyer
Climate and Christ, A Prophetic Alternative
Edward P. Echlin
The Columba Press, Dublin , 2010, £9.99.
ISBN 978-1-85607-690-6
Climate and Christ describes what climate change is and how it happens, and suggests ways in which ordinary people can help to mitigate it. It also describes the process of evolution, and proposes that Christian ecology must henceforth integrate evolution. A chapter on Jesus Christ discusses Jesus’ own ecology from birth to resurrection, including the ‘agrarian’ Jewish ethos which he inherited and lived in his own alternative itinerant lifestyle, preparing and preaching the kingdom. A final chapter makes suggestions for our own ‘prophetic alternative’ lifestyles inspired by Christ. This includes the principles of local sustainability, and an agrarian economics not predicated on everlasting ‘growth’, because we have reached the end of earth’s biocapacity. We henceforth need alternative lifestyles of quality, earth care, and sharing.
‘Edward Echlin has worked with unfailing patience, love and conviction to help the church to embrace the earth. His great gift has been to dig deep into the rich soil of the incarnation. That's what makes his writing so nourishing, and so prophetic. In this book he astutely addresses the dangers of climate change to people and planet alike. Perhaps the greatest risk in this crisis is despair; in Climate and Christ we have proof of hope.’ Paul Bodenham, Chair, Christian Ecology Link.
‘Edward Echlin has written a fine guide for Christians. Echlin urges Christians to “provide prophetic alternatives to individualized, consumer, globalized, ‘growth’ economies which are destroying the earth.” His book provides us with the confidence to act, knowing that “prophecy is a viable alternative to the assumptions and lifestyles of our dominant cultures.” I strongly recommend this book as a guide for spiritual transformation in tempestuous times.’
Ann Pettifor, Director, Operation Noah.
‘This book is timely and urgent in its message. When scientists, politicians and theologians agree on any issue of local and global importance, it is time to pay attention. Edward Echlin’s voice in this debate is prophetic, profound and practical.’
Dr Dermot A. Lane, Mater Dei Institute of Education, Dublin . |