Birds, Our Teachers : Biblical Lessons from a Lifelong Bird-Watcher

by Stott, John R. W.

• ISBN13: 9780801012389
• ISBN10: 0801012384
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-11-01
• Publisher: Baker Books

Summary

John Stott traces his lifelong love of bird-watching back to boyhood country walks with his father, who told him to shut his mouth and open his eyes and ears. Because of those lessons in observation, Stott now carries his binoculars and camera with him everywhere he travels. Of the 9,000 different bird species in the world, Stott estimates he has seen about 2,500! In this unique and intriguing book he takes seriously Jesus' exhortation in the Sermon on the Mount, "Behold the fowls of the air" (Matt. 6:26 KJV). He reveals lessons on faith from the feeding of ravens, on repentance from the migration of storks, on freedom from the flight of the eagle, on joy from the song of the lark, and more. The Birds Our Teachers is lavishly illustrated with full-color photographs taken by the author in his travels around the world. Stott humorously calls his work "an introduction to the science of orni-theology," for he combines information about birds with biblical truths and personal anecdotes in a way that will fascinate bird-lovers and Bible readers everywhere.

Table of Contents

Introduction	7	(4)
The Feeding of Ravens: Faith	11	(6)
The Migration of Storks: Repentance	17	(6)
The Head of Owls: Facing Both Ways	23	(10)
The Value of Sparrows: Self-esteem	33	(6)
The Drinking of Pigeons: Gratitude	39	(7)
The Metabolism of Hummingbirds: Work	46	(5)
The Soaring of Eagles: Freedom	51	(9)
The Territory of Robins: Space	60	(7)
The Wings of a Hen: Shelter	67	(9)
The Song of Larks: Joy	76	(10)
The Breeding Cycle of all Birds: Love	86	(8)
Conclusion	94