Martin J Hodson and Margot R Hodson
Monarch Books
I must admit an interest in reviewing this book as Martin Hodson was one of our Eco-congregation assessors. However, I would have recommended it anyway.
Subtitled 'How to care for God's creation', the book sets out its aim as 'explaining the value of this world and how we should relate to it as something that is precious to God, its creator'.
There are a lot of books available about Christianity and the environment. What is different about this one is that one of the writers (Martin) is an environmental biologist and the other (Margot) a vicar, so it brings together two different, complementary perspectives.
This covers a wide range of issues including the global ecosystem, biodiversity and environmental degradation, alongside Biblical discussion and the history of Christian thought on creation. It also looks at possible responses to these issues, at a personal, community and national/international level. And the last chapter - because this is a Christian book - is about hope.
The book is a mixture of study material (both scientific and theological), personal anecdotes, and case studies of Christians who are trying to make a difference. The Hodsons are members of Sage, the Oxford-based Christian environmental group, and many examples in the book are about people and projects in the Oxfordshire area - which is particularly interesting for those of us in Didcot.
There are lots of footnotes, resources and a Biblical index for those who want to go further, along with a supporting website on www.hodsons.org/cherishingtheearth.
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