Confronting the climate crisis

By Jame Schaefer

Book Description

When the weight of climate science meets the depth of theological wisdom, profound questions emerge about humanity's role as stewards of creation. This comprehensive exploration brings together seventeen Catholic theologians who have wrestled with one of our time's most pressing challenges: how faith communities can respond meaningfully to the mounting evidence of human-caused climate change.

Drawing from biblical foundations through contemporary religious thought, these scholars demonstrate that theology has vital contributions to make in addressing environmental crisis. Rather than viewing science and faith as separate domains, they reveal how theological reflection can illuminate pathways toward healing our relationship with Earth and its interconnected systems.

The collection emerges from the Catholic Theological Society of America's dedicated focus on global warming, representing years of systematic study and reflection. Each essay offers original insights into how religious traditions can guide responses to climate disruption, providing frameworks for understanding both current impacts and future challenges facing people, species, and ecosystems worldwide.

Grounding this theological work is careful attention to scientific findings that document accelerating global temperatures and their cascading effects on the biosphere. The volume also incorporates official statements from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Pope Benedict XVI, situating individual scholarly contributions within broader institutional responses to environmental concerns.

For readers seeking to integrate spiritual wisdom with environmental awareness, this work offers substantive guidance for navigating climate realities through the lens of faith.