Mere Environmentalism

A Biblical Perspective on Humans and the Natural World

Steven F. Hayward

As debates over climate change rage in Washington and American consumers become ever more conscientious about 'going green,' evangelical Christians are increasingly concerned about the proper relationship between faith and environmentalism. The notion of human 'stewardship' over God's creation could be a groundbreaking opportunity for cooperation between evangelicals, the scientific community, and environmental activists. However, a deep understanding of environmental issues from a distinctively Christian perspective will inevitably complicate partnerships with those who approach the subject from conventional secular viewpoints. Although there is some common ground, there remain important differences between Christian and secular perspectives on the environment. Are human beings merely one 'part' of the undifferentiated whole of nature? Or, worse, are humans a blight and a drain on God's perfect creation? Do we really 'own' the land we live on and the plants and animals that provide our sustenance? The answers to these questions begin to form a Christian approach to solving ecological problems. In Mere Environmentalism: A Biblical Perspective on Humans and the Natural World, Steven F. Hayward provides a thorough examination of the philosophical presuppositions underlying today's environmentalist movement and the history of policies intended to alleviate environmental challenges such as overpopulation and global warming. Relying on Scripture to understand God's created order, Hayward offers an insightful reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural world.

AEI Press

Pages: 104 • Trim: 4¾ x 6¾

978-0-8447-4374-5 • Paperback • October 2010 • $9.95 • (£7.95)

978-0-8447-4375-2 • eBook • November 2010 • $8.99 • (£6.95)

Series: Values and Capitalism

Subjects: Religion / Christian Living / General, Political Science / Public Policy / Environmental Policy, Religion / Christian Ministry / Evangelism, Religion / RELIGION / Politics & State

Mere Environmentalism

A Biblical Perspective on Humans and the Natural World

Paperback

eBook

Summary

As debates over climate change rage in Washington and American consumers become ever more conscientious about 'going green,' evangelical Christians are increasingly concerned about the proper relationship between faith and environmentalism. The notion of human 'stewardship' over God's creation could be a groundbreaking opportunity for cooperation between evangelicals, the scientific community, and environmental activists. However, a deep understanding of environmental issues from a distinctively Christian perspective will inevitably complicate partnerships with those who approach the subject from conventional secular viewpoints. Although there is some common ground, there remain important differences between Christian and secular perspectives on the environment. Are human beings merely one 'part' of the undifferentiated whole of nature? Or, worse, are humans a blight and a drain on God's perfect creation? Do we really 'own' the land we live on and the plants and animals that provide our sustenance? The answers to these questions begin to form a Christian approach to solving ecological problems. In Mere Environmentalism: A Biblical Perspective on Humans and the Natural World, Steven F. Hayward provides a thorough examination of the philosophical presuppositions underlying today's environmentalist movement and the history of policies intended to alleviate environmental challenges such as overpopulation and global warming. Relying on Scripture to understand God's created order, Hayward offers an insightful reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Details

AEI Press

Pages: 104 • Trim: 4¾ x 6¾

978-0-8447-4374-5 • Paperback • October 2010 • $9.95 • (£7.95)

978-0-8447-4375-2 • eBook • November 2010 • $8.99 • (£6.95)

Series: Values and Capitalism

Subjects: Religion / Christian Living / General, Political Science / Public Policy / Environmental Policy, Religion / Christian Ministry / Evangelism, Religion / RELIGION / Politics & State

Author

Steven F. Hayward is the F. K. Weyerhaeuser Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He coauthors the Pacific Research Institute's annual Index of Leading Environmental Indicators and is the producer and host of An Inconvenient Truth_Or Convenient Fiction?, a rebuttal to Al Gore's documentary.

Reviews

Steven F. Hayward provides a thorough examination of the philosophical presuppositions underlying today's environmentalist movement and the history of policies intended to alleviate environmental challenges such as overpopulation and global warming. Relying on scripture to understand God's created order, Hayward offers an insightful reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural world.

— Carolina Journal

Mere Environmentalism

A Biblical Perspective on Humans and the Natural World

Steven F. Hayward

Mere Environmentalism

A Biblical Perspective on Humans and the Natural World

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