JourneyOnline
Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd, 2008
RRP $59.95
Reviewed by Rev Dr Clive Ayre, who has a PhD in eco-theology and eco-mission and is Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
One would hardly expect a book of eco-theology to be light reading, especially when the author is the Professor of Theology and the Biological Sciences at Chester University, and one of the leaders of a new generation of scholars in this field.
While this work is not necessarily light reading, it is not heavy either and should be readily accessible both to the serious student and to the general reader.
Bishop Jones summed it up well when he described the book as “popular in its appeal and scholarly in its depth”.
Part of the value of Eco-Theology is that it charts a course through the large volume of literature and wide range of approaches to eco-theology that has been building over recent years.
Ms Deane-Drummond writes from a Catholic perspective, but presents a well-balanced overview and critique of virtually the whole field – from radical views that would be considered outside the mainstream of faith, to eco-feminism, Orthodox responses, Biblical eco-theology and much more.
In doing this, she also engages in theological construction and challenges the idea that scientific disciplines alone are sufficient to solve environmental problems.
In addition to its readability, Eco-Theology could also be fairly described as both detailed and comprehensive, and in that respect it will be very useful for students.
But beyond that, one of the author’s stated goals was “to encourage readers to engage in active reflection and positive action”.
A valuable aid in that process is the list of questions for personal or group reflection, always with implications for practical action.
For those who are serious about trying to understand what eco-theology is about, Celia Deane-Drummond’s Eco-Theology will be a real find.
I commend it heartily.
