Practicing Reverence

by Smillie, Ross L.

• ISBN13: 9781551455938
• ISBN10: 1551455935
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-10-14
• Publisher: Copperhouse

Summary

Every day we hear more about how humans are degrading the environment and causing suffering to themselves and the rest of life. Where will it end? Practicing Reverence shows that it is up to all of us, in community, to live in ways that honour not just our own lives, but all life. Minister, theologian, and environmental ethics teacher Ross Smillie combines his areas of expertise to document our current situation and, even more importantly, to offer hope. Smillie's science background is evident in his extensive factual reporting of ecological issues. His engagement with theology and ethics balances scientific fact with moral and ethical ponderings. The result is an up-close view of how things "are," and a glimpse of how things "could be." Smillie's hope is that we learn to create "sustainable earth communities," that we will leave our children, grandchildren, and the generations beyond with a vital and bountiful earth upon which to live. Of course, to reach this goal we must adapt our current actions. And so Smillie examines economics, technology, and religion, and identifies alternatives to our current practices. As a minister and theologian, he also allows for the work of the Spirit, to bring about more just and sustainable ways of living. Practicing Reverence represents both a call and a challenge to those who genuinely desire the best for themselves and future generations, to join their efforts for the good of all.

Author Biography

Ross Smillie teaches environmental ethics and theology through St. Stephen's College in Edmonton, Alberta. He is a minister with The United Church of Canada. Ross is the author of Cracking the Cover: A Beginner's Guide to the Bible. He is married with two grown children and enjoys sailing, curling, and skiing.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. 9
Introduction	p. 11
Fragile Systems	p. 25
We Animals and Our Ethics	p. 41
Good Citizens of the Earth	p. 67
The Real Wealth of Nations	p. 93
Science, Hubris, and Humility	p. 115
Stewarding the Sacred	p. 129
Practicing Reverence	p. 145
No Fate: The Practices of Hope	p. 161
Conclusion	p. 181
Endnotes	p. 189
Bibliography	p. 198
Index	p. 203
Permissions	p. 207
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