Earthkeeping and Character: Exploring a Christian Ecological Virtue Ethic

by Steven Bouma-Prediger

Overview

Addressing a topic of growing and vital concern, this book asks us to reconsider how we think about the natural world and our place in it. Steven Bouma-Prediger brings ecotheology into conversation with the emerging field of environmental virtue ethics, exploring the character traits and virtues required for Christians to be responsible keepers of the earth and to flourish in the challenging decades to come. He shows how virtue ethics can enrich Christian environmentalism, helping readers think and act in ways that rightly value creation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801098840
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	11/19/2019
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Steven Bouma-Prediger (PhD, University of Chicago) is Leonard and Marjorie Maas Professor of Reformed Theology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He regularly writes and speaks on environmental issues and is the author of For the Beauty of the Earth.

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction: Ecological Ethics Reframed
1. Mapping the Territory: On Virtue and Vice
2. Living with Amazement and Modesty: Wonder and Humility
3. Living with Strength of Mind and Discernment: Self-Control and Wisdom
4. Living with Respect and Care: Justice and Love
5. Living with Fortitude and Expectation: Courage and Hope
6. Digging In: Becoming a Person of Character
Appendix: A Brief Survey of Christian Environmental Virtue Ethics
Indexes

Editorial Reviews

10/07/2019

Bouma-Prediger (For the Beauty of the Earth), a professor of theology at Hope College, describes the approach he believes Christians should take to environmental stewardship in this succinct yet deep volume. He argues that an ethics of ecology should be grounded in building a virtuous character and, as such, calls on Christians to be “aching visionaries” who mourn a flawed present and dream of a glorious future, and presents an “ethics in our time and place” that encourages a deeper connection to the environment. He ties each trait—wonder, humility, self-control, wisdom, justice, love, courage, and hope—to biblical citations as well as examples from figures such as Rachel Carson, C.S. Lewis, and John Muir. He also blends in his own experiences teaching students, both within the classroom and on outdoor expeditions. Though lay readers may find the academic approach and jargon overbearing, Bouma-Prediger’s analysis is fresh, and his passion and sincerity manage to shine through the dense prose. For readers seeking a model to connect Christian and environmental movements, or an extra call to care for the Earth, this lucid, hopeful work will be worth the effort. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly