Green Gospel - by John Gatta (Paperback)

About the Book

"An evocative investigation of ecotheology's first principles, Green Gospel will serve as antidote to the spiritual devastations of the climate crisis. As climate change continues to ravage our planetary home, deepening the divide between Earth and her stewards, churched and unchurched seekers alike are casting about for a spirituality that focuses on the natural world. Just in time, Green Gospel opens a window into the developing realm of ecotheology, defining foundational principles and outlining how these tenets can be lived out through worship and individual practice. To help readers connect with otherwise challenging concepts, Gatta's Green Gospel draws on illustrative examples from literary works and liturgical texts to transport readers through these artistic portals to a world lit up by God's grace. Perfect for parish reading groups or individual study, this encompassing yet compact introductory text unites the theological framework of the green movement with spiritual practice, setting forth a comprehensive vision that moves all the way from first principles of Christian doctrine to the practical consequences of today's pressing environmental issues"--

Book Synopsis

An evocative investigation of ecotheology's first principles, Green Gospel will serve as antidote to the spiritual devastations of the climate crisis.

As climate change continues to ravage our planetary home, deepening the divide between Earth and her stewards, churched and unchurched seekers alike are casting about for a spirituality that focuses on the natural world. Just in time, Green Gospel opens a window into the developing realm of ecotheology, defining foundational principles and outlining how these tenets can be lived out through worship and individual practice. To help readers connect with otherwise challenging concepts, Gatta's Green Gospel draws on illustrative examples from literary works and liturgical texts to transport readers through these artistic portals to a world lit up by God's grace.

Designed for parish reading groups or individual study, this encompassing yet compact introductory text unites the theological framework of the green movement with spiritual practice, setting forth a comprehensive vision that moves all the way from first principles of Christian doctrine to the practical consequences of today's pressing environmental issues.

Review Quotes

"In Green Gospel, John Gatta, committed Christian and committed environmentalist, sets out to show that the two belong together. He succeeds admirably, drawing on a wide and deep knowledge of literature and theology to illustrate the implications of Christian orthodoxy. Yet this is also a generous book, generous to those of other faith traditions and of none, reminding us that Christian faith worthy of the name must believe in a God who wills fulfilment and glory for all humankind and also for every creature under the sun, all that God has created, sustained, and called 'very good.' I found Green Gospel both informative and interesting. More importantly, I found it inspiring."

"This book needs to be widely read. It speaks compellingly about a defining issue of our time in the context of a generous religious orthodoxy. It means to stir us and get us moving. Green Gospel's spiritual depth, enhanced by helpful questions at the end of each chapter, make it not just ripe for individual enlightenment but an ideal resource for parish study and conversation."

"In Green Gospel, John Gatta, committed Christian and committed environmentalist, sets out to show that the two belong together. He succeeds admirably, drawing on a wide and deep knowledge of literature and theology to illustrate the implications of Christian orthodoxy. Yet this is also a generous book, generous to those of other faith traditions and of none, reminding us that Christian faith worthy of the name must believe in a God who wills fulfilment and glory for all humankind and also for every creature under the sun, all that God has created, sustained, and called 'very good.' I found Green Gospel both informative and interesting. More importantly, I found it inspiring."-- "Christopher Bryan, C. K. Benedict Professor emeritus at Sewanee: The University of the South; author of The Resurrection of the Messiah and Son of God: Reflections on a Tradition"

"This book needs to be widely read. It speaks compellingly about a defining issue of our time in the context of a generous religious orthodoxy. It means to stir us and get us moving. Green Gospel's spiritual depth, enhanced by helpful questions at the end of each chapter, make it not just ripe for individual enlightenment but an ideal resource for parish study and conversation."-- "The Living Church"

"With characteristic elegance, Gatta weaves together strands of our biblical and literary heritage into a rich tapestry of ecotheology. This volume addresses vital questions: How shall we live if we know that we must finally die? The wisdom in these pages will inform and guide readers for years to come."