Down to Earth - by Clifford Chalmers Cain & William Bryan Martin (Paperback)

About the Book

This book scientifically describes the multitude of environmental problems besetting planet earth and indicates why these environmental problems are, at their root, a spiritual or religious challenge. The author argues that learning the scientific descriptions of problems is n...

Book Synopsis

This book scientifically describes the multitude of environmental problems besetting planet earth and indicates why these environmental problems are, at their root, a spiritual or religious challenge. The author argues that learning the scientific descriptions of problems is not enough; attitudes must be changed and behavioral patterns must be altered.

Review Quotes

He utilizes facts, sound science, and (no pun intended) down-to-earth prose to explain what is happening in five areas: population growth, waste, energy, air, and biodiversity. Readers get the unvarnished truth.

I love Dr. Cain's unique approach...Drawing on his expertise as an environmental theologian, and with specialties in world religions and environmental ethics, Dr. Cain walks us through the sacred texts and thoughts of many of the world's religions, seamlessly weaving their insights together with our most pressing environmental problems...he illustrates in very specific ways how these ancient texts and varied world religions speak profoundly still today, calling us to reflect and renew ourselves and our environment. One hopes this might encourage sustained dialogue, understanding, and action...

Professor Cain has produced an admirable, readable, and very topical book about our relationship with the natural order....it could well make theologians generally more alert to environmentalists' issues and vice-versa....it could help up-date, incorporate, and build on such religious insights, and help address these issues more effectively at a time when they are pressing hard....This book is particularly timely....in the old, religious texts, there may be a deeper and indeed more practical wisdom, which needs to be re-interpreted and revived. Professor Cain's book may help do that.

About the Author

Clifford Chalmers Cain is professor of philosophy and religion at Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana. Cain holds two doctoral degrees and has written books and scholarly articles in the fields of contemporary theology, ecology, religion, and science.