The journey into eco-theology – understanding the connection between Christian faith and care for God’s creation – can be both challenging and inspiring. Sometimes it is hard to know where to start, so I have compiled a list of five thought-provoking books that have helped me to read the Bible well, understand its grand narrative, and respond faithfully to the call to care for creation.
1. How Not to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball
This is a great place to start. It isn’t specifically about eco-theology, rather it is about how to read the bible well. It tackles the challenges of biblical literalism as well as the importance of understanding the Bible’s big story. Kimball explores some of Scripture’s puzzling passages and offers tools to read the Bible with greater wisdom. For those beginning their eco-theological journey, this book provides an essential foundation for understanding how to approach the Bible well.
2. The Lost World of Genesis One by John Walton
A lot of the issues that people experience when engaging with creation care have their genesis (pun intended) in a narrow reading of Genesis chapter one. Walton invites readers to see Genesis one through the cultural and historical lens of its original audience. By understanding the text as ancient theology rather than modern science, he uncovers its meaning and significance for our relationship with God and creation. This book is a game-changer for anyone wrestling with the intersection of faith, creation, and science.
3. The Bible and Ecology by Richard Bauckham
Creation care is not an optional add-on to Christian discipleship. It has always been a core part of what it means to be a part of the mission of God. Bauckham explores how the Bible portrays humanity’s relationship with creation, emphasising themes of stewardship, care, and interconnectedness. His reflections challenge us to see creation not as a resource to exploit but as part of God’s good work to protect and nurture. This is an incredible biblical overview for those wanting to understand creation care practices through a robust biblical theology.
4. Everything Must Change by Brian McLaren
Once you understand the Biblical imperative to care for creation, then the next step is to get a big-picture understanding of how and why our world is broken, and how the message of Jesus invites us to partner with God to seek its restoration. McLaren’s bold and prophetic voice offers a fresh take on how the message of Jesus challenges systemic injustice and environmental degradation. This book is both a critique of the status quo and an invitation to imagine a different way of living – one that aligns with God’s kingdom values. It’s a call to action for those ready to see faith and creation care as deeply interconnected.
5. Reading Revelation Responsibly by Michael Gorman
One final challenge that impacts our understanding of creation care is our understanding of what happens at the end of the story. I often hear people saying things like, “if the whole earth is going to burn, then why should we bother trying to care for it?”. The Book of Revelation can feel overwhelming and confusing, but Gorman offers a perspective that shifts focus from fear to hope. He demonstrates how Revelation inspires faithful living and resistance to destructive systems. For those seeking to understand the Bible’s call to live as stewards of God’s creation, this book provides a refreshing and approach to understanding the book of Revelation.
Why these books?
Each of these books has helped me to see the Bible – and the world – in a new light. They invite us to re-examine familiar passages, exploring the overarching story of Scripture, and inspire us to act on the biblical call to care for creation. They remind us that eco-theology isn’t just about the environment; it’s about how we live out our faith in a way that honours God, creation, and each other.
I encourage you to add these to your reading list as you continue the journey of integrating Christian faith and creation care.
