The Theological and Ecological Vision of Laudato Si' - (Paperback)

About the Book

This volume provides a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual, moral and practical themes of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si'. Leading theologians, ethicists, scientists and economists provide accessible overviews of the encyclical's major teachings, the science it engages and the policies required to address the climate crisis. Laudato Si' was a major milestone in the Catholic Church's teaching on ecology and the environment. While it received global praise as a challenge for courageous action at the Paris Climate Talks, its importance goes far beyond one act of advocacy. The encyclical modeled a compelling, public engagement between theology and science. Pope Francis offered both a moral and spiritual response to the climate and environmental crises, and a renewed interpretation of major Catholic doctrines to illuminate our ecological connection with the rest of creation. Aimed at an undergraduate audience, this book provides a reliable introduction to the major themes of Laudato Si' such as: a theology of Creation that embraces the insights of contemporary science, a renewed understanding of the human person in relationship to the rest of creation, a spiritual vision of love for all creation, the necessary connection between Christian solidarity with the poor and concern for the environment. It introduces readers to the social encyclical tradition from which Laudato Si both draws and develops. The additional materials available through Bloomsbury's website include: powerpoint slides for science chapters, video-mini lectures to supplement the chapters, learning assignments keyed to help students engage with major points, links to online resources relevant to the encyclical and to the environmental crises.

Book Synopsis

This volume provides a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual, moral and practical themes of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si'. Leading theologians, ethicists, scientists and economists provide accessible overviews of the encyclical's major teachings, the science it engages and the policies required to address the climate crisis. Chapters on the encyclical's theological and moral teachings situate them within the Christian tradition and papal teaching. Science and policy chapters, engaging the encyclical and provide introductions to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The book provides a guide for those wishing to explore the issues raised by Laudato Si' but who lack the specialist knowledge required to know where to begin.

Aimed at an undergraduate audience, this book provides a reliable introduction to the major themes of Laudato Si' such as:
- a theology of Creation that embraces the insights of contemporary science
- a renewed understanding of the human person in relationship to the rest of creation
- a spiritual vision of love and responsibility for all creation
- the necessary connection between Christian solidarity with the poor and concern for the environment
- an introduction to the social encyclical tradition from which Laudato Si' both draws and develops

Review Quotes

"As a whole, the essays reach a satisfying depth of engagement on complex issues with jargon-free accessibility... an invaluable introductory companion to Laudato Si'." - Studies in Christian Ethics

"Besides the volume's overall clarity, an 'encyclical reading guide' helpfully couple selections from Laudato Si' with each article. The volume could accordingly be used for parish reading groups, seminary courses, and advanced undergraduate courses ... An integral ecology demands no less, and, as this volume makes clear, [Vincent J. Miller] should be commended for understanding Catholic education as a distinct means by which everything can indeed be connected." - Theological Studies

About the Author

Vincent J. Miller holds the Gudorf Chair in Catholic Theology and Culture at the University of Dayton, USA.