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48. The ecological crisis and the Mission of the Church by David Gould
According to the UN Secretary General: “our planet is broken – humanity is waging a suicidal war on nature”. Recent reports have described the devastating impacts of climate change, the unprecedented loss of animal and plant species, the widespread pollution of land, oceans and atmosphere, the degradation of topsoil and so on. We are living in a time of ecological crisis.
In the last 30 years or more the worldwide Church has been exploring how it should respond to this crisis. One landmark event was the issue in 1994 of ‘An Evangelical Declaration on the Care of Creation’, which was endorsed by church leaders worldwide. It emphasised that the earth belongs to God and that humanity has been given the Biblical ‘creation mandate’ to look after it. The Declaration recognised the ‘growing crisis in the health of creation’; the creator’s concern for all creatures; and that in Christ there is hope for all creation. In 2012 the World Evangelical Alliance and Lausanne Movement worked together to frame a call to action based on two major convictions: that ‘creation care is a gospel issue within the lordship of Christ’; and that ‘we are faced with a crisis that is pressing, urgent, and that must be resolved in our generation’. And in 2015 Pope Francis issued his encyclical Laudate Si, ‘On care for our common home’. In it he said that the care of creation is a ‘spiritual issue connecting our beliefs, values and actions’; he examined what is happening to ‘our common home’ and ‘the human roots of the ecological crisis’; and he proposed ‘lines of approach for action’.
This Briefing Paper looks at some of the implications of this crisis for the mission of the Church. PDF link here.
47. Natural Disasters and Human Responsibility by Professor Robert White, FRS
This paper looks as the impact of the large-scale natural hazards which bring creativity and fertility to the earth along with disaster scenarios to human populations, frequently the poor and marginalised in the places affected. The Christian perspective is explored, looking at human sinfulness and brokenness and the certain hope of a new creation. The paper is available as a pdf download (2.3mb) from the title link above, and this link. It is also available in a compressed format pdf (850kb). with lower quality images, from this link.
46. Extending the right to roam: the Countryside Code, Covenant and Christianity by Shelly Dennison
This paper explores some of the theological questions raised when looking at any extension to the right to roam. It sets out the current situation (January 2022) and presents the campaign to extend the right to roam through a summary of the arguments being given for and against such a change. The exploration of a Christian response uses the themes of respect, protect and enjoy from the Countryside Code as a framework for considering how matters of Covenant, justice, a theology of place and belonging, and a theology of housing and home might assist in finding a balance to needs frequently seen as being in competition with each other. Briefing Paper 46 is available as a pdf download (12 pages) by clicking the title above or from this link.
45. Exploitation of the Earth, Exploitation of People by Revd Dr John Weaver
This paper is an extract from John’s chapter of the same title in Dan Pratt (editor), Slavery-Free Communities. Emerging Theologies and Faith Responses to Modern Slavery. Its central theme is the evidence of divine righteousness and divine justice and God’s call on Christians to reveal God’s intention to restore the righteous peace of the whole of creation. Revd Dr John Weaver is Vice-Chair of JRI and a former Chair of its board. Briefing Paper 45 is available as a pdf download (7 pages) by clicking the title above or from this link.
44. Green Gospel: Christian Responses to the Challenge of the Climate Crisis by Nicola L Bull
This paper considers the Christian response to the climate crisis. Although this was initially slow, it has gained pace over the last decade and the importance of faith communities in raising awareness and encouraging action has been recognised. Approaching COP26, and in light of the Pope’s 2015 environmental encyclical, Laudato Si’, the activities of a number of Christian organisations are set alongside the Pope’s teaching. As with the pandemic still claiming lives around the world, only global collaboration can ultimately solve the climate crisis. Nicola Bull MA, MSc, MPhil, Mlitt, is a Trustee of ‘Operation Noah’. The Briefing Paper is available as a pdf download (8 pages, A4) from this link and also from clicking the title above.
43. A Study on the Environmental Crisis and COVID-19 by Revd. Dr. Sam Mortimer.
This paper reflects on the theology and praxis around sustainability and climate change, considering the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the scriptures and academic sources, aiming to challenge assumptions and strengthen theological understanding. Unusually for a JRI Briefing Paper, it incorporates a survey to gauge the opinions on this topic and to discern the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s attitudes. It considers where these opinions resonate with theologians, and where there may be opportunities for further discovery, as well as offering comparisons with perspectives from different church traditions. The author’s purpose was to reflect on the findings of the survey to inform discipleship, mission, and ministry in parishes. The conclusion calls servant disciples of Jesus into a practical mission to bring justice, equity and stewardship together. The Briefing Paper is available as a pdf download (16 pages, A4) from this link and also from clicking the title above.
42. Integrating creation care into mission planning in a post-Covid urban setting
This paper by Shelly Dennison explores the positive and negative issues that the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed in urban and suburban communities, and the opportunities which have arisen from a new context to rethink and repurpose local mission. Mission Action Planning and Eco Church are considered as possible frameworks which churches may use. Shelly Dennison is the Digital Engagement Officer for CPRE Bedfordshire, the countryside charity, and a second year CRES student. The paper is available for download as a pdf document (8pages) from this link and from the title above. Published April 2021
41. Communicating the Environment
In this paper retired management consultant Rob Hitchcock and Methodist Presbyter Philip Wagstaff look at the ‘how’ of effective campaigning for a fairer world. They consider the challenges and restraints to communication, and then the positive forces and factors that can be used. The methods available are identified, and the impact of the individual’s actions in both the public sphere and day-to-day life are assessed. A biblical perspective to faith and action is presented. This briefing paper (8 pages) is available as a pdf document for online viewing or download from this link. Published March 2020
This paper is by Samuel Perilla, a member of the Cross Current Environmental Sciences group. Starting with a selection of verses from Psalm 104, Perilla asks the question ‘Why don’t we, Christians, take care of this planet that God has given us?’ and looks at two possible answers through Biblical exploration of issues of identity and ignorance with specific reference to passages in Genesis and Leviticus. (pdf download from this link, 7 pages, published June 2019)
39. Religious and Secular Concern for the Environment
This paper by Revd. Jonathan Clatworthy considers whether Christian concerns for the environment differ from secular ones. It looks at the ethical role of religion, and the particular emphases of Christianity through history evaluating where these have been helpful and where it may be considered that harm has occurred. The similarities and differences with secular environmentalism are explored. The paper includes a bibliography for further reading on the matters covered by the paper. It was published in April 2019 and is available as an 8 page pdf for online reading or download by clicking the title above. The image used here is ‘Creation – Day 1’ from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.
38. Space: Exploration, Environments and Earth
This briefing paper looks at the benefits gained from space, the risks of space exploration, weather, debris and near-Earth objects, and considers how assessing these requires ethical consideration, including Christian involvement and ethical input. The author is Dr. Robert S. Dutch and this is his companion paper to Briefing Paper 37 below. It was published in March 2019 and is available as a pdf for online reading or download, 20 pages, with live weblinks, by clicking the title above. The image of the International Space Station is a free image from www.pixabay.com
37. Natural Radioactivity, Radiation Exposure and Our Environment
This briefing paper looks at natural radioactivity, radiation exposure and the environment, with a focus on ionising radiation which may have biological effects on cells. The paper considers our nuclear-powered and radioactive universe, identifies the four main sources of natural radioactivity and radiation exposures on Earth, as well as supplementary sources, and reflects on these findings from a Christian perspective. The paper was written by Dr. Robert S. Dutch, a former tutor at the nuclear training centre and course administrator and tutor in New Testament Greek at Bristol Baptist College, and a member of Christians in Science and author of the book “Let There Be Light!” Nuclear Energy: A Christian Case (Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock, 2017). The Briefing Paper was published in August 2018. It is available as a pdf file (16 pages, view and download from the heading above or from this link).
36. “Travelling Light – a theological reflection on modern transport”
This briefing paper was published in June 2018 and follows on from the JRI conference held in March 2018 on the theme of ‘Transport Now and in the Future: What are the issues?’ This resource paper considers the experience of travel, analyses the impacts on, and resulting from, travel, integrates this with a Biblical reflection on the issues raised, provides suggestions for how we may respond to the situation and concludes with a brief summary of a possible way forward. This Briefing Paper, written by JRI Chairman Revd Dr John Weaver, is available to download as a PDF (8 pages) from this link and from the title above.
Briefing Paper number 35 focuses on the impact of modern farming methods on soil biology, and in particular the soil food web, and considers whether this can be sustainable for the future. It sets these methods alongside Biblical instruction on how to care for the land, and presents some of the evidence for the biological and chemical changes made to the soil by modern agricultural practice. The importance of the Soil Food Web for the future is explored. This Briefing Paper was written by Martin Parsons, BSc CEng MIMechE CEnv FIAgrE and recent CRES graduate. It was published in March 2018. It is available to download from these links as a pdf file (8 pages, also accessed from the title above).
34. One Year On: Donald Trump, the Environment and the Church
Briefing Paper number 34, ‘”One Year On: Donald Trump, the Environment and the Church” was published on 20th January 2018, one year after the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States of America. The election of Donald Trump had raised a number of questions regarding the potential impact of this presidency on Environmental issues and the role and relationship of the Church in this context. In Briefing Paper 32 (see below) Dr Martin Hodson presented 12 questions to assist in the monitoring of these, and this briefing paper revisits these questions in the experience of the first 12 months of the presidency. The Briefing Paper is available as a pdf document (12 pages, with live links to the references).
33. What makes a successful environmental campaign?
Briefing Paper number 33, “What makes a successful environmental campaign?” looks at examples of both successful and unsuccessful campaigns from the last three decades to identify the similarities where aims have been achieved and the common themes in failures. Written by CRES graduate Rob Hitchcock, he uses his employment background in management processes to bring best practice from industry alongside these appraisals and to consider where improvements can be made. Throughout the paper short Biblical reflections provide the vital extra dimension of spiritual wisdom to question worldly methods and to provide additional insight and guidelines. This Briefing Paper is available via this link in .pdf format for screen reading or printing (12 pages).
32. Donald Trump, the Environment and the Church
Published on the day of the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States of America, the aim of this briefing paper is to give a reasonably complete assessment of the likely effects of Trump’s administration on the environment and then, more briefly, to look at the church response to date (20th January 2017). The Briefing Paper is available as a PDF format download file (20 pages) via the title link above.
31. European Environmental Policy: Post Brexit what should we do?
The European Union was the first major economy to table its commitment in the run up to the Paris Climate Conference (COP21), and continues on its path of transition to a low-carbon economy and society. The past record of Theresa May, the UK Prime Minister, shows that she has generally voted against measures to prevent climate change, although she has announced that the UK will ratify the Paris Agreement ‘by the end of the year’. With scientists pointing to a situation requiring increasingly urgent action, this paper explores current European Environmental Policy in its global context, and the impact that Brexit – with its current uncertainties – may have. The Christian call to engagement and action, as organisations and individuals, in response to the threats and fears, is presented as hope-filled discipleship ‘focused and centred in God’. Dr John Weaver is the Chair of the John Ray Initiative. (Briefing Paper PDF, 8 pages via the link above.
Special JRI Briefing 13th December 2015: Paris, Paris COP21
A personal reflection and review by Dr Martin J Hodson, Operations Manager, The John Ray Initiative. The link above is for the PDF file which will open in a new tab and can be read online or downloaded.
29. Biodiversity, Its Loss and Why It Matters by Will Simonson
This paper investigates the erosion of the richness of life on Earth, its causes, consequences, and ongoing and future threats, and why this is a Christian concern with a role for the church. It defines and locates biodiversity, explains the crisis of the current dramatic loss and the ongoing and future threats, and explores the values of biodiversity to humankind. Solutions to stem the loss are presented and a distinctly Christian response proposed. Dr Will Simonson is a researcher in the Forest Ecology and Conservation Group, Department of Life Sciences, University of Cambridge, and has a long association with A Rocha. (Briefing Paper PDF, 8 pages).
28. God, the Earth and Humanity in the book of Micah by Keith Innes
This is a short study exploring the nature and limits of the community of creation with reference to the Old Testament book of the prophet Micah. It covers three themes: the involvement of the Earth in salvation and judgment; the significance of reversion to nature; and the status of inanimate things in the Earth community. Much natural imagery is used in the book of Micah and the study explores the spiritual reality beyond the simply metaphorical, in addition to the more direct challenges and warnings to a market economy rife with dishonesty and an increasing gap between rich and poor. Keith Innes retired from parish ministry in 1997 and has since obtained a M.Phil. degree at Bristol University on “Wilderness in the Old Testament” and published several papers on ecotheology. (Briefing Paper PDF, 8 pages)
27. Progress or Problem? Responding to Genetically Modified Food and Crops by John Weaver
This report summarises the Environment Day Conference at Redcliffe College, Gloucester, held on 2nd March 2013. The conference identified the technology behind ‘GM Crops’ and set out the global and scientific context for the debate which has ensued. In this briefing paper Joe Perry, John Weaver, Martin Hodson and Christopher Jones MBE explore the nature of risks arising from their use, the influence on policies across areas from environment and ethics to business and globalisation, and the impact at the local level. Positive and negative arguments are proposed, with issues of population and food security set alongside the ethical issues raised by the adoption of this technology. A Christian theological perspective is presented, with a discussion encouraging a coherence to God’s wisdom. John Weaver is formerly Lecturer in Practical Theology and the Dialogue between Christianity and Science at Oxford and Cardiff universities. (Briefing Paper PDF, 12 pages)
by Sally Shaw. With increasing evidence in Australia of climate change crisis, the focus of this research was young people with the hypothesis that Improvisation drama is an effective teaching tool that can influence the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of Australian youth attending church youth groups and encourage them to take action on the issues of climate change. The research methods were pre- and post- workshop questionnaires, drama activities, a visioning exercise and focus group discussions. Significant changes in the pre- and post- workshop questionnaires were recorded. Sally Shaw is on the steering group for Friends of A Rocha and presently working on teaching materials for churches on Why Christians need to care for God’s creation. (Briefing paper PDF, 20 pages)
by Elizabeth A. C. Rushton and Dr. Martin J. Hodson. This is a 24 page reporton social-science research. Ordinands were asked to respond to the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP), and the importance of environmental issues and ecology in their faith. Data analysis revealed that churchmanship was the only variable that varied significantly. Evangelical ordinands gave some responses that suggest less interest in environmental concerns. Environmental theological education within the colleges surveyed needs to improve if the Church is to have a leadership role in reversing the human-induced causes of the environmental crisis.
24. Protecting the Soil Resource by Dr. David A. Robinson. “A nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.” F.D. Roosevelt in a 1937 letter to all state Governors in the USA, following the dust bowl, encapsulates the importance of soil protection. The dust bowl brought about US legislation to conserve soils as a fundamental natural resource. Supporting the provision of food, feed and fibre is only aspect of the functions that soils provide that are important for human wellbeing, and sustaining the functionality of the earth’s life support system. Download the PDF Protecting the Soil Resource.
23. Ecological Hope in Crisis? by Professor Richard Bauckham. The church has frequently had to think afresh about Christian hope in changing contexts. It’s not that the essence of Christian hope – the great hope, founded on Jesus Christ, for God’s redemptive and fulfilling renewal of all his creation – changes. But if Christian hope is to retain its power to be the engine of the church’s engagement with the world, if it is to be more than an ineffective private dream, hope itself needs renewal as the world changes. From the infinite riches of God’s future for the world we must draw those that can be transformative for our time. That way we can re-envision the world in the light of hope. Download PDF.
22. Whose Earth? Rio+20 Helen Heather and Sarah Hulme of Tearfund wrote this helpful JRI briefing that lays out the issues discussed by world leaders at the Rio+20 meeting in Brazil in June 2012. The original Rio Earth Summit in 1992 was one of the first times that national leaders (108 from around the world) met to discuss the environment. The briefing sets out paths, such as the concept of Planetary Boundaries, that could link the apparently diverse aspects of “sustainable development” and put us on track to meet the goals of Rio.
21. Apocalypse Now : The Book of Revelation and the Environmental Crisis by Revd Dr Simon Woodman. The imagery of final judgment in Revelation offer its audience an “assurance that, however powerful the forces currently opposing their faithful witness, these satanic systems will ultimately be called to account for their opposition to God’s in-breaking kingdom”. This briefing is adapted from Simon Woodman, “Can the Book of Revelation Be a Gospel for the Environment?” In: Bible and Justice: Ancient Texts, Modern Challenges, edited by Matthew Coomber. London: Equinox, 2011. The author is minister of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, and previously lectured at South Wales Baptist College.
14. Global Warming, Climate Change, and Sustainability : a Challenge to Scientists, Policy-makers, and Christians (2011) 4th edition, by Sir John Houghton. This 12 page briefing is a concise and extensive survey. It looks at the concept of sustainability, the science of climate change, and the current state of policy. Impacts on sea level and regional freshwater availability, and the incidence of extreme events such as floods and droughts, are all explored in detail. The author was co-chairman of Scientific Assessment for the IPCC (1988-2002), Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office (1983-1991), and Professor of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Oxford.
20. The Coalition Government : Does Blue and Yellow make Green? Richard Weaver and Helen Barclay of Tearfund produced an analysis of the first year of the Coalition Government in the UK (Conservative and Liberal Democrat), focusing on their policy on Climate Change. David Cameron’s aspiration to lead the greenest government ever is compared to the manifesto and choices made so far. Progress from George Osborne on the Green Investment Bank, and Chris Huhne’s clear leadership at the UN climate talks in Cancun are mentioned.
19. Copenhagen and the Climate Change Crisis by Sir John Houghton. Following the JRI pre-Copenhagen workshop in 2011, and subsequently the Copenhagen Climate Change conference with its disappointing result, here is a detailed analysis by the JRI President of where we stand. It discusses positive features of the Copenhagen Accord, and the contribution of the European Union. The lack of public acceptance of science is identified as a key problem and explored in depth.
18. Joseph, Pharaoh, and a Climate Crisis by Sir John Houghton. This briefing links the biblical story of Joseph in Egypt and the urgent challenge of climate change. The warnings have been given and the time of opportunity is now.
17. British and American Attitudes to Nature by Revd Keith Innes. Explores how concepts of “nature” are associated with particular landscapes, and the differences between British and American perceptions. Themes of conquest and conservation are discussed. It is suggested that alternative spiritualities should “provoke us to ask whether Christian churches offer a biblically-based spirituality that connects with the concerns of campaigners for the earth”. Revd Keith Innes did his M.Phil. thesis on Wilderness in the Old Testament.
16. Co-Redeemers : a theological basis for creation-care by Revd Dr John Weaver. This is an edited version of a paper given to the Baptist World Alliance Theological Educators Conference in Prague, 26-29 July 2008. The author was Senior Lecturer in Geology at the University of Derby before training for the Baptist ministry, and later becoming Principal of South Wales Baptist College.
15. Big Science, Big God by Sir John Houghton. Subtitled “Science and Faith in a strong embrace” this 16 page briefing (12 pages in the print edition) shows that God’s revelation in the two “books” of His works and the Scriptures are not in opposition. The original version of this paper was prepared to accompany talks given at Wheaton College, Chicago, and Tulane University, New Orleans, in January 2007.
13. Environmental Christianity : insights from our Jewish heritage by Revd Margot Hodson. Jesus affirmed the authority of the Hebrew Scriptures and there is a strong Jewish influence in the New Testament. As western Christianity developed it absorbed other influences, particularly from classical Greek thought. Reclaiming some of the Jewish understanding of Jesus’ first disciples throws new light on how we can address contemporary environmental issues. Revd Hodson has also written on the Old Testament book of Isaiah, in the Grove series: Uncovering Isaiah’s Environmental Ethics.
9. Biblical basis of Caring for Creation by Professor Sam Berry. Sets out a Biblical basis for creation care around the following propositions: God works in the world; God is separate from creation; Christ has redeemed all things; Our response is stewardship. Failure to look after the environment is disobedience to divine command, and a sin. This differs from the view common among Protestants that the Earth is merely a stage for God’s saving work. The author is Emeritus Professor of Genetics at University College London.
3. Creation’s Destiny in Jesus Christ by John McKeown. This briefing was a response to negative language about the earth, and suggests that an earth-affirming theology is compatible with literal and futurist interpretations of texts associated with eschatology. The first edition was written in 1998.
8. Towards sustainable consumption – visionary or illusory? by Dr Peter Moore based on material provided by Professor Brian Heap. Human consumption of scarce resources in the world is rising rapidly. Urgent thought is being given to whether the availability of these resources to future generations is being threatened. Can we move towards more sustainable consumption? This briefing addresses some of the issues involved.
7. True ‘Creation Spirituality’ : A critique of ‘Original Blessing’ by Dr Andrew Basden. This briefing engages with the ideas of Matthew Fox about Original Blessing and Original Sin.
John Ray, father of natural historians by Professor Sam Berry. In the 17th century John Ray blazed the way for a truly modern view of the natural world and set forward a theological coherence which we are only just beginning to appreciate. Clarence Glacken complements the description of John Ray as the Father of Natural Historians by describing Ray’s book The Wisdom of God manifested in the Works of Creation as “probably the best natural theology ever written.” (1967:379)
Archived Briefings
The list above does not include earlier JRI briefings which are listed on a separate page as Archived Briefings.
Authors
JRI welcomes submissions of new papers for consideration by the editorial committee for the Briefings series. Please contact the JRI Administrator.