75. Confronting the Climate Crisis: Catholic Theological Perspectives, edited by Jame Schaefer. ISBN-13: 978-0-87462-791-6. Paper. 478 pp. $29. Bibliography. Index.
Can theologians respond meaningfully to the overwhelming scientific evidence that human activities are accelerating the temperature of Earth and adversely affecting people, other species, ecological systems, and the biosphere? Members of the Catholic Theological Society of America’s Interest Group on Global Warming have dug deeply into the biblical to contemporary traditions, reflected systematically, and produced seventeen original essays that demonstrate fruitful ways in which to approach the climate crisis so that current and predicted effects may be mitigated. Framing these essays are an overview of basic scientific findings that compelled this group effort and statements by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Pope Benedict XVI.
“Confronting the Climate Crisis is a collection of exciting essays offering the best Catholic theological reflection on the pressing ethical issue of sustainability. The broad spectrum of perspectives in its pages – which includes creation theology, feminist criticism, and the teaching of Benedict XVI and the U.S. Catholic bishops – makes it an especially excellent classroom resource.”
John E. Thiel, Professor of Religious Studies, Fairfield University President, Catholic Theological Society of America
Jame Schaefer is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology & Ethics at Marquette University where she directs the Interdisciplinary Minor in Environmental Ethics and advises Students for an Environmentally Active Campus. For several years she convened the CTSA interest group that generated this anthology. Prior to her academic career, Schaefer served as a leader of local and regional environmental advocacy groups, a consultant to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on energy and ecological issues, and an appointee to policy advisory positions by county, state, and national governments.
CONTENTS
Introduction
Jame Schaefer 9
Biblically Inspired Perspectives
1 Sophia Wisdom & Climate Change
Suzanne Franck 39
2 Creation & Covenant in the Theology of the Apostle Paul
Annemarie S. Kidder 55
3 An Ecological Hermeneutic of Col 1:15-20: A Panentheistic Proposal
Vincent A. Pizzuto 75
Perspectives Inspired by Medieval Theologians
4 Bonaventure’s Franciscan Christology: A Resource for Eco-Conversion toward Halting Human-forced Climate Change
Dawn M. Nothwehr, O.S.F. 101
5 Thomas Aquinas, the Cosmic Common Good, & Climate Change
Daniel P. Scheid 125
6 On Knowing Oneself in an Age of Ecological Concern
William C. French 145
7 Catholic Theology, International Law, & the Global Climate Crisis
William P. George 177
Perspectives Inspired by 20th-Century Theologians
8 A Teilhardian Value-Supportive World View
Robert Faricy, S.J. 201
9 Teilhard & the Limits to Growth: The Evolutionary Dynamic toward ‘Ultra-Humanity’
Richard W. Kropf 211
10 Climate Change & the Theology of Karl Rahner: A Hermeneutical Dialogue
Denis Edwards 233
11 Changing Our Minds: Bernard Lonergan & Climate Change
Richard M. Liddy 253
12 Hans Urs von Balthasar & Deep Ecology: Towards a Doxological Ecology
Anthony C. Sciglitano, Jr. 277
13 Thomas Berry as the Groundwork for a Dark Green Catholic Theology
Peter Ellard 301
Feminist Perspectives
14 Rushing Winds & Rising Waters: Seeking the Presence of God in a Radically Changing World
Colleen Mary Carpenter 323
15 Trees, “Living Symbols of Peace & Hope”: Wangari Maathai & Ecofeminist Theology
Anne M. Clifford, C.S.J. 339
Catholic Social Teaching Perspectives
16 “With Generous Courage” Promise & Poignance in the Legacies of Pope John Paul II & Pope Benedict XVI
Connie Lasher & Msgr. Charles Murphy 365
17 Solidarity, Subsidiarity, & Preference for the Poor: Extending Catholic Social Teaching in Response to the Climate Crisis
Jame Schaefer 389
18 Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence, & the Common Good
U.S. Catholic Bishops, with Comments by Jane Elyse Russell, O.S.F. 427
19 If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation 447
Pope Benedict XVI
Contributors 459
Index 467
Marquette University Press
