Christianity, Wilderness, and Wildlife

by Susan Bratton

Overview

In Christianity, Wilderness, and Wildlife, Susan Bratton brings to life the tradition of Christian wilderness spirituality, from Noah’s and Moses’ experiences in the Old Testament to Celtic monasteries and the Franciscan order. She traces a long history of divine encounters in biblical literature such as visions, providential protection, spiritual guidance and calls to leadership—all of which highlight the importance of nature in Christian thought. This book will command the attention of the growing audience for works at the intersection of environment and spirituality.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781589661776
Publisher:	University of Scranton Press
Publication date:	07/15/2009
Pages:	350
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Susan Bratton is chair of the environmental studies department at Baylor University and author of Environmental Values in Christian Art.
 
 


Susan Power Bratton has worked actively in environmental and wilderness protection for over twenty years.  She was Associate Professsor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of North Texas when Christianity, Wilderness, and Wildlife, where she worked in the Environmental Ethics program.  She is presently Chair of the Environmental Studies program at Baylor University.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations for Translations of the Scriptures ix

Acknowledgements xi

1 Introduction 1

2 She Went and Wandered in the Wilderness (Genesis) 13

3 The Water Became Sweet (The Exodus) 25

4 The Paw of the Bear, the Paw of the Lion (David and Jonathon) 47

5 The Mountain Haunts of the Leopards (Writings) 63

6 Fed by Ravens (The Former Prophets, Elijah and Jonah) 83

7 Jackals in Her Palaces (Later Prophets) 97

8 And He withdrew to an Isolated Place (Intertestamental Times, Christ, and John the Baptist) 115

9 The Desert Road (Acts and Revelations) 139

10 The Original Desert Solitaire (Desert Monasticism) 147

11 Oaks, Wolves, and Love (Celtic Monasticism) 173

12 The Cave Outside the City (St. Francis) 209

13 The Limits of Western Wilderness (The Reformation) 223

14 Spiritual Journeys-On-and Off-Trail (Contempoary Questions) 233

15 Mountain Crests, Desert Canyons (Contempoary Questions) 251

16 The Wild and the Kingdom (Protecting the Wild) 273

Notes 311

Bibliography 329

Index 335

Biblical Citations 347