Living with other creatures

Book Description

When environmental concerns clash with religious faith, many Christians find themselves caught between competing worldviews. Richard Bauckham addresses this tension by returning to the foundational texts of Christianity with fresh eyes, seeking authentic biblical guidance for our relationship with the natural world.

Rather than accepting traditional interpretations that have often rendered scripture silent on environmental matters, Bauckham conducts a thorough exploration of biblical teachings about creation care. His investigation moves beyond familiar Old Testament passages about human dominion to examine the complete scriptural narrative, including Jesus' own perspectives on the created world and innovative ways of understanding the gospels through an ecological lens.

The author traces how various theologians throughout Christian history have grappled with humanity's responsibility toward other living beings, revealing a rich tradition of creation-centered spirituality that has often been overlooked. Through careful biblical scholarship and theological reflection, he uncovers what he presents as a clear divine mandate for Christians to serve as caretakers of all creation.

This theological exploration offers readers a framework for understanding their place within God's broader creation rather than above it. For those seeking to integrate environmental consciousness with Christian faith, Bauckham provides both scriptural foundation and historical precedent for viewing creation care as an essential aspect of faithful living. The work challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world through the lens of biblical teaching.