Discover John Stott's writings on creation care, brought together for the first time in this definitive collection for the global church. Compiled by R. J. Sam Berry and Laura Yoder, this brilliant anthology demonstrates both Stott's passion for the environment and its place in Christian discipleship.
Showcasing his unique way of explaining the Bible simply and clearly, John Stott on Creation Care traces Stott's own process of coming to embrace creation care as a vital part of the Christian life - and in turn shows us how creation care must have an integral place in our own discipleship.
Commentary by noted scientist R. J. (Sam) Berry connects Stott's writings together and illuminates how his wisdom still speaks to us today. Alongside reflections from others that Stott inspired and discipled, John Stott on Creation Care is the perfect resource for every Christian looking to understand biblical teaching on the environment and how creation care should form part of their discipleship. It is also an ideal biblical and theological resource for those involved in creation care ministry.
Published as part of the John Stott Centenary celebrations, proceeds from John Stott on Creation Care will go to A Rocha International, a charity that carries community-based conservation projects in response to biodiversity loss around the world.
John Stott viewed creation care as an inevitable implication of the biblical message, and as a grounding for Christian engagement in environmental commitments. This collection will give you a deeper, more thorough understanding of his writings and how his views developed, and will leave you motivated and inspired to look again at your discipleship and how you approach creation care.
Arvustused
I listened to John Stott's presentation of the Snowy Owl while doing a course at the LICC. I never labelled him as an environmentalist, and he wasn't - he was a Christian whose life was so rooted in Scripture that his love for and stewardship of the rest of creation was part of his daily life. He was also willing to be challenged and changed in his understanding and interpretation of Scripture. His understanding of stewardship of creation also evolved and this book is an excellent collection documenting this journey. Whatever stage we are at in our own journey - whether you are sceptical, exploring, interested or passionate - this will inspire, inform, invigorate and illuminate your understanding. This book is not an appeal to start caring for creation or a mere reaction to the ever growing environmental crises but a collection of inspiring biblical reflection which will also influence how and why we worship God. -- Kuki (Lalbiakhlui) Rokhum, Director of Training and Mobilization, EFICOR. John Stott's remarkable and visionary embrace of both the biblical imperatives for caring and the need to translate them into practical action, particularly in the majority world where the impacts of both climate change and biodiversity loss are most directly felt, was deeply significant. He took pains to be well-informed and to keep his views under constant revision as both science and biblical theology progressed in response to an unfolding set of ecological crises. In addition, he gave generously of his time to many all over the world who were discovering what their own commitment to Christian callings to care for God's earth might mean. This book charts John Stott's creational journey, one that was made with great rigour and precision. It serves not simply as an account of a rapidly developing set of convictions, but as a model for how authentic Christian leaders can empower the whole church when they live in community and deep humility. -- Peter Harris, Co-Founder, A Rocha What a treasure trove this book is! What a testimony to the prophetic foresight of John Stott in urging Christians to be thoroughly and biblically committed to loving, studying and caring for God's creation, long before environmental and climate crises came to dominate our consciousness and trouble our consciences. And what a gift to have all these riches of John Stott's (so quotable!) writing and preaching gathered in one place, within such a helpful historical interpretative framework. May its message still speak as powerfully as the man himself once did. -- Christopher J.H. Wright, Global Ambassador and Ministry Director, Langham Partnership
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John Stott on Creation Care brings together all of John Stott's teachings about the environment for the first time, to show why creation care is an important part of a life of radical discipleship.
About the authors |
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xiii | |
Foreword |
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xvii | |
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Foreword |
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xxi | |
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Preface |
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xxiv | |
Acknowledgments |
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xxvii | |
Introduction |
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1 | (4) |
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1 John Stott's journey: Living to reflect love for our Creator |
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5 | (11) |
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2 Early explorations: Psalms and first sermon on creation care |
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16 | (28) |
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3 Fall and redemption: Dualism, science and mandate to `watch birds!' |
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44 | (21) |
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4 Missional developments: New learning from the Word and the world |
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65 | (37) |
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5 Doctrine and relevance: Lifestyle, double listening and creation's goodness |
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102 | (21) |
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6 Clergy-naturalists and learning from birds |
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123 | (23) |
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7 The works of the Lord: Creation care in Christian discipleship |
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146 | (34) |
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8 Commitment to nature conservation and Christian mission |
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180 | (33) |
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9 Reflections: Influence of Stott's teaching on creation care |
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213 | (46) |
Afterword: Planetary gardening |
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259 | (15) |
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Appendix 1 An evangelical declaration on the care of creation (1994) |
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274 | (6) |
Appendix 2 `Reasons for environmental concern', excerpt from Issues Facing Christians Today (2006) |
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280 | (14) |
Bibliography |
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294 | (18) |
Index of Scripture references |
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312 | |
John Stott (1921-2011) exercised a worldwide ministry as a church leader, Bible expositor and author. His bestselling books have been translated into numerous languages, won several awards and shaped whole generations of ministers, thinkers, writers and bloggers. In 2005, Time magazine ranked Stott among the 100 most influential people in the world.
Robert James 'Sam' Berry (1934-2018) was an eminent British biologist and Christian theorist. He was Professor Emeritus of Genetics, University College London. He was president of the Linnean Society, the British Ecological Society, the European Ecological Federation, and Christians in Science. He served on the A Rocha Council of Reference alongside John Stott, as well as on the Advisory Board of the Faraday Institute, and was a founder and Board member of the John Ray Initiative. He received Marsh and UK Templeton awards for his Glasgow Gifford Lectures.
Laura S. Meitzner Yoder is the John Stott Endowed Chair and Director of the Human Needs and Global Resources Program, and Professor of Environmental Studies, at Wheaton College, Illinois. Her work intersects with various missiological and environmental networks, including Micah Global, INFEMIT, ECHO Inc., and Tearfund (UK and USA).