As debates over climate change rage in Washington and American consumers become ever more conscientious about 'going green;' evangelical Christians are increasingly concerned about the proper relationship between faith and environmentalism. The notion of human 'stewardship' over God's creation could be a groundbreaking opportunity for cooperation between evangelicals; the scientific community; and environmental activists. However; a deep understanding of environmental issues from a distinctively Christian perspective will inevitably complicate partnerships with those who approach the subject from conventional secular viewpoints. Although there is some common ground; there remain important differences between Christian and secular perspectives on the environment. Are human beings merely one 'part' of the undifferentiated whole of nature? Or; worse; are humans a blight and a drain on God's perfect creation? Do we really 'own' the land we live on and the plants and animals that provide our sustenance? The answers to these questions begin to form a Christian approach to solving ecological problems. In Mere Environmentalism: A Biblical Perspective on Humans and the Natural World; Steven F. Hayward provides a thorough examination of the philosophical presuppositions underlying today's environmentalist movement and the history of policies intended to alleviate environmental challenges such as overpopulation and global warming. Relying on Scripture to understand God's created order; Hayward offers an insightful reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural world.
#2325427 in Books Yoder John Howard Cartwright Michael G Ochs Peter 2008-11-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .63 x 5.98l; .90 #File Name: 0836194756300 pagesThe Jewish Christian Schism Revisited
Review
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Extremely important text(s) (nearly ruined)By Josh AdamsThe essays in this collection are some of the most important; original; and illuminating contributions to the study of Jewish-Christian relations/origins that I have come across. I think these essays are a "must-read" for any person interested in this field or related fields of study and also; especially; any committed Jew or Christian.However; I have a huge problem with the way this book was put together. The essays were originally written at different times and for different purposes/occasions; and collected informally near the end of Yoder's life as a "desktop publication" to be printed out and delivered on request. The present volume contains all of those original essays; however it also unfortunately contains an intro; an afterword; and _"commentaries"_following_each_essay_; written by extremely ill-chosen; uncomprehending; smaller minded (no personal offense is meant here) authors who are often nearly hostile to Yoder's thought(s) and who essentially seem to be using what little of his thought they agree with to push their own agendas; which have precious little to do with Yoder's.I have never in my life heard of the first edition of any book; much less by a deceased author incapable of protesting or composing a response; being undertaken in such a disrespectful; manipulative manner. Shame on Stanley Hauerwas; Eerdmans; and the editors; I think the essays' potential for changing minds and lives has been greatly diminished by them.But again; all negative elements of the published book aside; by all means; read these terribly important essays.9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. challenged my assumptions...By Marco D. FunkThis book challenged my assumptions about the relationships between 'Christians' and Jews at the time of the apostles. I found this book extremely helpful in clarifying just how Jewish Paul; and the other disciples; actually were. I also find it a bit disturbing that this book was put together in this manner; with extra commentary and afterwards that often hindered a full appreciation of Yoder's work. Although Ochs and Cartwright are insightful; I'm not so sure having their writings in this book was the wisest of choices on behalf of Eerdmans and Hauerwas. Nevertheless; Yoder would have appreciated a continued; more nuanced; study of the schism between Jews and Christians... indeed; a schism that did not have to be.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A primary thesis that the schism "did not have to be"By Midwest Book ReviewCollaboratively compiled and co-edited by Michael G. Cartwright and Peter Ochs; The Jewish-Christian Schism Revisited is a posthumous collection of essays by John Howard Yoder (1927-1997) "revisiting" the Jewish-Christian split in the light of Yoder's primary thesis that the schism "did not have to be". The editors place Yoder's discourse within the context of dialogue with Rabbi Steven S. Schwarzschild. Examining the whole debate in light of theological understanding of what it means to be Christian; Jewish; or a "missionary" people; The Jewish-Christian Schism Revisited is a welcome and engaging contribution to Judeo/Christian Religious Studies collections and supplemental reading lists.
