Bloomsbury Religions and Environments: A Reader in Religion, Nature and Ecology

Recent decades have witnessed a surge of literature and activism from religious leaders and thinkers on the natural environment. Religions and Environments: A Reader in Religion, Nature and Ecology brings together some of the most thought-provoking examples of such writings from the nineteenth century up to today, spanning a variety of methodological approaches and religious traditions, viewpoints and locations. Religions and Environments: A Reader in Religion, Nature and Ecology depicts some of the diverse ways that religious narratives and practices have helped people connect to the physical world around them. To do so, it is divided into three parts: the wilderness, the garden, and the city. Traditions represented include nature spiritualities, Asian traditions, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and indigenous traditions.Reflecting the most current scholarship in the study of religion and nature, as well as providing important historical essays, it draws on a range of perspectives and methodologies, including historical, theological, philosophical and literary methods. Each part contains a critical introduction by the editor which provides an overview of issues and guides students to key ideas. Section introductions also provide an overview of the specific issues which arise in the readings in each section. Each part also includes suggestions for further reading and resources on the topics, making this the ideal resource for courses on religion and the environment, religion and ecology, and religion and nature. Review A broad sweep encompassing both historical and contemporary writing on religion and the environment. ― De Numine Published On: 2017-05-10Religions and Environments explores a plurality of positions on environmental issues - religious, spiritual, and meaningful - weaving them into a stimulating conversation. It is both a vade mecum, a collection that can be carried along hiking, paddling, exploring our world, as well as a text for the classroom. Drink deep, it's well worth the effort. ― John Grim, Senior lecturer and Research Scholar, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, USAAn imaginatively organised volume: I am impressed by the thematic presentation of a diversity of readings under the headings of “wilderness”, “garden” and “city”. It is an attractive approach―easily integrated into undergraduate teaching. ― Peter Scott, Samuel Ferguson Professor of Applied Theology & Director of the Lincoln Theological Institute, University of Manchester, UKThis collection gathers together all the important materials regarding the complex and subtle connection between religious belief and natural environment. It serves as a good introduction for scholars, students and laymen. Its wider theoretical approaches and contents provide us with one of the most promising intellectual platforms in this field. ― Keith Ka-Fu Chan, Lecturer of Religion & Philosophy, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityRichard Bohannon selected an elegant collection of essential readings at the intersection of "religions" and "environments." Some are traditional, expected and needed pieces from foundational thinkers like Abbey, Berry and Leopold. Others are contributions offered by contemporary scholars who suggest new and exciting perspectives. The outcome is a thoughtful, useful and unique gathering of voices that reflect a wide range of ideas. ― Laura Hobgood-Oster, Professor of Religion, Southwestern University, Georgetown, USAWhat a feast! Bohannon has hunted and gathered a delectable blend of readings that will enlighten, inspire, and challenge readers. Students and instructors alike will benefit from this book's thoughtful introductions, careful selections, and wise organization. We have much to learn from Bohannon and the readings he has collected here. -- Laura M. Hartman, author of "The Christian Consumer: Living Faithfully in a Fragile World" and Assistant Professor at Augustana College, USAReligions and Env