Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Book Review: Saving God's Green Earth by Tri Robinson with Jason Chatraw

I had signed on for Green Beans's Bookworm Challenge. I chose my book: "Living Downstream". Then, Pastor Randy handed me a book that he had received in a mailing from the Willow Creek Association, and wondered of I would like to read it, since he himself did not have time at the moment. The book looked intriguing, and, in what seems to be my new habit of jumping from thing to thing, I decided to read it and review it instead of my original choice.

"Saving God's Green Earth" was written as an outgrowth of Pastor Tri Robinson's experience of teaching his Vineyard Church of Boisie, Idaho, how they could involve themselves in environmental stewardship. When he first felt lead to start teaching his congregation about creation care, he was somewhat concerned about the reaction he would get from them. He needn't have worried; his sermon received a standing ovation. He found that there is profound concern for the environment among evangelicals, but their leaders have been reluctant to approach the subject because the environmental movement has so often also been associated with the New Age movement, as well as with liberal social causes that cannot be embraced by many Christians. He has navigated this minefield very successfully, and his congregation has embraced a role in the community as leaders in creation care.

Pastor Robinson's approach resonated for me with things that I had already thought through in my own life. Premise #1: The way we treat creation says something about our respect (or lack thereof) for the Creator, and relates to the commandment to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Premise #2: In loving our neighbors as ourselves, we need to keep in mind that they live downstream, downwind, and beyond us into the future. We have an obligation to share the environment with them as loving neighbors. Premise #3: Hopelessness is not part of Christian faith. We can do all things through Christ, including tackling a monumental challenge like restoring and maintaining the creation. Every individual's lifestyle choices, no matter how small, can be multiplied for the good of others when they are dedicated to God.

This is a short and easily read book, and provides an excellent Biblical foundation for dealing with the issues that are so front and center in our society today. I recommend it as a starting point for Christian thought on the subject. There are some concrete suggestions in the last two chapters that can be applied in most churches. It is readable and practical. I think the Willow Creek Association should be commended for making it available to all the association pastors.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Where can I get the book? I'd like to send it to my sister-in-law. The other "green" books we have sent her have not stuck. This one may, because it probably speaks to her more.

Joyce said...

Cindy, I know it is available through Amazon.com. I hope she finds it useful!

Donna said...

Joyce, This looks great -- I'll have to try to find it!

Cindy, If your sister-in-law likes this one, she might also enjoy "Save God, Serve the Planet."

Donna said...

Oops! That's "Serve God, Save the Planet."

Anonymous said...

Haha Donna. Thanks for the correction. I thought the first title was funny though...

Green Bean said...

Joyce, what a wonderful review. It sounds like a great book and, as Cindy said, one that really speaks to people. Churches seem to be taking more and more of a stand to help preserve the environment. It is so heartening to see! Thank you.

here I am! said...

saw your post on greenbeans about the coffee and I think that is just wonderful and yes the small stuff does count!
being peace is making peace.
all the best to you and love your blog too!

Joyce said...

Donna, I have just gotten "Serve God, Save the Planet" and hope to start it soon.
Thanks, Green Bean! Your challenge is pushing me to squeeze a little more reading into my life!
Welcome, Raw Food Diva! "Being peace is making peace"..nice phrase. It reminds me of 1 Peter 3:11-"turn from evil and do good...seek peace, and pursue it"

Anonymous said...

We're trying to add a few books on this topic to the church library. Hopefully you'll see them on the new book display soon.

Joyce said...

Hey, Robin, if you get them, I would love to read them and post a review. Or you could post "guest reviews"! Could be fun!