Debbie Hawker
{"id":6285893566655,"title":"Changing the Climate: Applying the Bible in a climate emergency","handle":"changing-the-climate-applying-the-bible-in-a-climate-emergency","description":"\u003cp\u003eA series of Bible passages unpacked to show the Bible’s relevance to environmentalism, and how we can all play our part in limiting the negative effects of climate change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe climate crisis is one of the most important issues of our time, threatening lives and livelihoods. The Bible teaches us that God the creator put humans on the Earth to take care of it; to show love to all, and to care for the poor and vulnerable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the twelve chapters looks at a particular Bible passage, connects it with climate action, poses questions and suggests practical steps that can be taken.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Hawkerfamily1_480x480.jpg?v=1676496058\" width=\"216\" height=\"337\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hawkers are a Christian family who are taking action for climate justice. Psychologists Debbie and David Hawker work with Tearfund and other campaign organisations. Their teenage son Jamie also campaigns on climate issues and is part of the ‘Green Agents of Change’ initiative within the Methodist Church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003ePraise for \u003cem\u003eChanging the Climate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I wish this book had been available when my children were younger! It’s wise and informative yet wonderfully easy to read. It moves from the biblical to the practical, the local to the global, making the complex simple and succeeding in both being deeply challenging yet also life-affirming and hope-giving.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Dave Bookless, director of theology, A Rocha International and author of \u003cem\u003ePlanetwise\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Challenging, engaging and practical, this is a wonderful resource to journey through either individually or as a family. It provides all sort of ideas of how you can make a difference, and solid reasoning for the urgency of doing so. Read it and live it!’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSimon Guillebaud, author, speaker and international director for Great Lakes Outreach \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Jamie, Debbie and David have written a comprehensive and practical guide to help us navigate our way through the choices and complexities of living more lightly on the planet. I love the tips and links, the quotes, the clear and challenging Bible studies, and the deep dives into the science and theology. This is one of the best and most accessible books I have read on \u003cem\u003ewhy\u003c\/em\u003e Christians should care about climate change, and \u003cem\u003ewhat\u003c\/em\u003e we can do about it. This is a book to be read and shared with your family, friends and church.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCaroline Pomeroy, director, Climate Stewards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I love the fact that this book is global, intergenerational and intersectional in its scope, while still remaining accessible and full of hope. It presents a robust, biblical case for the need for Christians to engage with the work of climate justice and offers small and large ways in which this can happen. Most importantly, it provides a platform to hear from and celebrate young people who are striving to make a difference.’\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eLynne Norman, Methodist children, youth and family team\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Hawker family takes on climate change! Biblical insights drive them to take action on one of the most urgent issues of our time. This book is packed with hints and tips about how YOU can make a difference.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDr Martin Hodson, author, Oxford University lecturer and Principal Tutor for Christian Rural and Environmental Studies (CRES). \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘So often we hear the question, “But what can we do, and what if it doesn’t make a difference?” This easy-to-read book offers a guide to faith-filled, faithful action undertaken as part of our discipleship. Highly recommend.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRachel Mander, on behalf of Young Christian Climate Network\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a remarkable, timely book on a fundamental remit of all Christians. As it takes a multilevel approach, from initial ideas to complex changes, it is really accessible to people of all ages and experiences. The mixture of stories, Bible studies, statistics and next steps keeps it readable and relatable. As a missionary, minister and parent who has home-educated for years, I can see so many uses for this resource – personal study\/challenge, family devotion, small group project, educational material – and I highly recommend it.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHannah Prosser, Assemblies of God GB mission team\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is a wonderfully rich, engaging resource for meaningfully exploring and practically responding to one of \u003cem\u003ethe\u003c\/em\u003e most pressing issues of our time. It facilitates intergenerational reflection on a wide diversity of environmental concerns in ways that are informative and interesting, considered yet challenging, and bold while biblical. Jamie’s (very helpful) tips at the end of each chapter have really motivated our family to up our game in terms of creation care engagement!’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRichard and Louisa Evans,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEn Route Course facilitators, All Nations Christian College, UK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Weaving together biblical insight, creative and accessible suggestions for taking action, and stories sourced from around the globe, this is rich resource for Christians of all ages wanting to engage with the climate crisis. Highly recommended.’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eJo Swinney, head of communications, A Rocha International\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘As well as this work being packed with practical suggestions on what to do about climate change, it is refreshing to find biblical reflection on the environment which focuses not on the classically obvious passages about stewardship and respect for creation, but on many Bible texts which one would not normally associate with our responsibility towards the created world, such as the story of Jonah and the parable of the good Samaritan. This leads to such challenging questions as ‘Who is my neighbour in the climate emergency?’ Written by a mother who has not driven for 20 years, a father known as the Cycling Psychologist and a son who wants to be a train driver, this book brings lessons from those who know what they are talking about.’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMark Greenwood, Baptist Missionary Society World Mission, overseas team leader for South America and Sub-Saharan Africa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eChanging the Climate\u003c\/em\u003e is a comprehensive, challenging and highly practical book that uses the Bible well with latest scientific evidence stating the case for us all to be more engaged in addressing climate change. The chapters are easily accessible, offering practical tips of things we can do to embrace creation care, interspersed with contemporary global examples where people and nations are suffering because of the current crisis they are experiencing. With space for personal reflection throughout, this book will help individuals, groups and families learn, adapt and change their behaviours as together we tackle one of the key issues of our time.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePhil, director, AWM-Pioneers \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The book challenges its readers to engage both spiritually and factually with one of the biggest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Its clever, interactive and logical style makes it attractive to all ages. I enjoyed that each chapter was divided into sections. This made it easier to read and also easier to refer back to as needed. I really enjoyed Jamie’s tips, which are full of interesting facts and easy steps that anyone can take as they journey to make their lifestyle more environmentally friendly. A very enjoyable and informative read.’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSimone Formolo-Lockyer, Latin Link\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘An extremely thoughtful, well-written yet practical book. Accessible and useful for all ages of your family and your church. It relates having a Christian faith to taking an action on climate change. If you are a Christian (or even if you are not!) and you’d like to know what \u003cem\u003eyou\u003c\/em\u003e can actually do to help save our planet – then this is the book for you.’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Jackson, youth leader\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Roger Day\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNearly 50 years ago as a young Christian journalist I was involved in writing about Christians living more simply, being less wasteful and finding joy in God’s beautiful earth. It was for a substantial section in \u003cem\u003eCrusade\u003c\/em\u003e magazine, produced by a group of us within the Evangelical Alliance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, all these decades later, Christians are yet again facing up to managing waste, reducing their carbon footprint and helping to save the planet. This time it’s become a genuine emergency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis powerful book explores climate change and the need for action in clearly written sections: The problem; Why we should act; What we can do. Within each of these three sections there are chapters on such issues as Want, Hope in action, A time to plant and Mustard seeds (and young people) matter. Each chapter starts with two or three Bible passages and includes a brilliant section for deeper thinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebbie and David Hawker are well respected psychologists with doctorates in the subject. Instead of producing an intellectual book, they have written in a clear, easy to understand style. Children and young people as well as adults are likely to find the book accessible as well as helpful and challenging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third contributor is David and Debbie’s 14-year-old son, Jamie. At the end of each chapter there is a section called ‘Jamie’s tips’. He also writes a glossary of terms at the end of the book. His ideas are thoughtful and easily understood. Jamie is a fan of Greta Thunberg, the climate activist. Like her, he has been involved in actions for climate change. As a result of his efforts for the environment, his Christian family caught the enthusiasm and are now vocal advocates for such change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent book is great for use by individuals, families and church groups. It will be ideal for parents, teachers in primary and secondary schools and Christian youth leaders. It contains plenty of important scientific facts and has a comprehensive appendix on ways to understand climate change. Hopefully it will help to counter the fake news circulating in some Christian circles that climate change isn’t true. Sadly, a book with such detailed material lacks an index.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI strongly recommend \u003cem\u003eChanging the Climate.\u003c\/em\u003e It’s a very useful tool for people who have a deep concern about the future of our planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Roger Day, retired psychotherapist and play therapist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWendy Bebbington, creative director of Newenglish design agency\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This is an easy to read book, clearly laid out - I'm reading it just for me, but can see how good it would be to use in groups. I love that teenager Jamie has taken some really smart actions that are inspiring me to think differently. It is packed with information and links that help me feel I can make changes and do things that will make a difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really like how they intertwine the bible into the whole book in a way that is very natural and gives a fresh look at how we care for God's planet'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr. Joel Callow, Zero Carbon Building Engineer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat an excellent guide for Christians wrestling with this most serious of modern subjects. Rooted in a clear-thinking, biblical world view, the Hawker family has a refreshingly positive and hopeful take on responding to climate change. They present the difficult reality without pulling their punches, illuminate this from the bible, then move on to practical steps we can take to make the future better than the present. Having read this for myself, I am now looking forward to reading it with my teenage children, and to choosing which of the many excellent charities they recommend to support as a family. Thank you Hawkers for writing a book of hope in challenging times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/jri.org.uk\/hannah-gray-reviews-changing-the-climate-by-debbie-david-and-jamie-hawker\/\"\u003eThe John Rae Initiative (JRI) blog\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Hannah Gray, June 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a straight-talking, down-to-earth book written by a married couple and their teenage son. Debbie and David Hawker are psychologists who work with mission organisations and their son, Jamie, is a teenage climate activist. The book has two subtitles ‘Applying the Bible in a climate emergency’ and ‘A resource for families and churches’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter profiles a different Christian charity working to alleviate the effects of climate change amongst vulnerable communities around the world and highlights an inspiring testimony from a young climate activist in diverse cultures and contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese real-life stories feature along the way, as the authors take the reader on a journey from the roots of the climate emergency, through the creation care narrative of the Bible, to the call for all Christians to wake up to the urgency and scale of action required. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eApplying the Bible in a climate emergency\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe writers frame the climate emergency problem around our spiritual condition, beginning Part 1 with two chapters (Waste and Want) that describe how our collective greed and wastefulness has created global environmental problems. In Part 2 they explain the Christian imperative for creation care, in four chapters organised around core Biblical themes of Faith, Love, Hope and Wisdom. The final section, Part 3 ‘What we can do?’, takes inspiration from scripture to suggest changes to travel and diet, to boost biodiversity, and to consider politics and protest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe whole book is grounded in scripture. Apparently, every book of the Bible is referenced somewhere in the text – but I will take their word for it! Each chapter begins with a Bible passage that has relevance to the topic addressed, and sometimes the authors offer a modern adaptation of the passage to suggest how it could read for society today. I found these climate-nuanced translations of familiar verses and parables particularly thought-provoking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is also grounded in science. Evidence is laid out from around the world to show how planet and people are suffering from climate change. The information is clear and accessible; the colourful diagrams, photos and ‘Did you know?’ boxes make the pages visually interesting as well as aiding comprehension. For those who want to dig deeper, there are boxes for ‘deep thinkers’, an appendix that explains the science of climate change, and another which sets out carbon emission and climate vulnerability data for different countries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA resource for families and churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChanging the climate spells out the urgency of the environmental problems we are all facing, whilst also making a compelling biblical case to take action. Yet the greatest strength is the practical ideas and tips listed at the end of each chapter. They range from quick and easy changes (eg re-use wrapping paper, be vegetarian once a week) to the more challenging lifestyle choices like how we heat our homes and whether to take a no-fly pledge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall groups could effectively journey together through the book, discussing issues highlighted in the green question boxes that punctuate the text. There are videos and websites mentioned in Appendix D for extra content in group study settings. Each chapter finishes with a box to write what you will attempt to do in the next month. Being accountable in a small group should be an effective tool for embedding change. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA humble tone and a brave attitude\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tone is informative, without being preachy, and encouraging, without being naïve. Importantly, the authors are humble, sharing what they could have done differently and how even determined eco-warriors can always do more. They acknowledge that individual change will not be enough to combat the climate emergency; there needs to be system change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapter ‘Moving mountains: large scale action’ bravely faces up to contentious topics like nuclear power and population growth – ‘\u003cem\u003ehaving one less child would reduce greenhouse gases 75 times more than adopting a vegan diet\u003c\/em\u003e’. The controversial group Extinction Rebellion (XR) features as well: ‘\u003cem\u003emembers of XR have upset people, but so did Gandhi, civil rights activists, suffragettes and Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e’. I think sometimes as Christians we tiptoe around these issues and I appreciate the refreshing assertiveness found throughout the text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book finishes with a reflection on 1 Corinthians 12, the Body of Christ, pointing out that some parts of the body are already suffering from climate change. They assert that each Christian needs to play their part towards a solution, whether that is praying, protesting, fundraising, innovating… what will your part be in fixing the climate emergency? This book offers plenty of inspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Hannah Gray for JRI\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2022. Review by Roger Thornington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book by the Hawker family – two clinical psychologists and their 14 year old son – is marketed as a ‘resource for families and churches considering climate change’. The book is designed as a workbook with three parts – ‘The problem’, ‘Why we should act’ and ‘What can we do?’ It concludes with five reference appendices and a glossary. All twelve chapters follow similar formats – a relevant Bible passage, a brief exposition and space to record your response. Options for action are reviewed – Extinction Rebellion is mentioned with approval, though with a caveat regarding its ethos. ‘Deep thinkers’ sections offer further details with some practical tips the authors have used. A brief thematic prayer is followed by related input from an organisation involved in addressing issues raised in the chapter, which concludes with ‘Jamie’s 12 tips for action’ and space to record your response. Does the book achieve the authors’ aim? Will you find it useful? I think families may benefit from reading it but for active ministers, I am not so sure. However, one thing is certain with climate change – doing nothing is not an option.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Roger Thornington\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2021-01-27T17:15:02+00:00","created_at":"2021-01-27T17:12:48+00:00","vendor":"Debbie Hawker","type":"Paperback","tags":["Environmental issues","Jun-21","Mission"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":38055522828479,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390225","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Changing the Climate: Applying the Bible in a climate emergency - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":215,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390225","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":40041625387199,"title":"PDF download","option1":"PDF download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390232","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Changing the Climate: Applying the Bible in a climate emergency - PDF download","public_title":"PDF download","options":["PDF download"],"price":999,"weight":215,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390232","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390225.jpg?v=1616066548"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390225.jpg?v=1616066548","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":20444151578815,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390225.jpg?v=1616066548"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390225.jpg?v=1616066548","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA series of Bible passages unpacked to show the Bible’s relevance to environmentalism, and how we can all play our part in limiting the negative effects of climate change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe climate crisis is one of the most important issues of our time, threatening lives and livelihoods. The Bible teaches us that God the creator put humans on the Earth to take care of it; to show love to all, and to care for the poor and vulnerable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the twelve chapters looks at a particular Bible passage, connects it with climate action, poses questions and suggests practical steps that can be taken.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Hawkerfamily1_480x480.jpg?v=1676496058\" width=\"216\" height=\"337\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hawkers are a Christian family who are taking action for climate justice. Psychologists Debbie and David Hawker work with Tearfund and other campaign organisations. Their teenage son Jamie also campaigns on climate issues and is part of the ‘Green Agents of Change’ initiative within the Methodist Church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003ePraise for \u003cem\u003eChanging the Climate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I wish this book had been available when my children were younger! It’s wise and informative yet wonderfully easy to read. It moves from the biblical to the practical, the local to the global, making the complex simple and succeeding in both being deeply challenging yet also life-affirming and hope-giving.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Dave Bookless, director of theology, A Rocha International and author of \u003cem\u003ePlanetwise\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Challenging, engaging and practical, this is a wonderful resource to journey through either individually or as a family. It provides all sort of ideas of how you can make a difference, and solid reasoning for the urgency of doing so. Read it and live it!’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSimon Guillebaud, author, speaker and international director for Great Lakes Outreach \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Jamie, Debbie and David have written a comprehensive and practical guide to help us navigate our way through the choices and complexities of living more lightly on the planet. I love the tips and links, the quotes, the clear and challenging Bible studies, and the deep dives into the science and theology. This is one of the best and most accessible books I have read on \u003cem\u003ewhy\u003c\/em\u003e Christians should care about climate change, and \u003cem\u003ewhat\u003c\/em\u003e we can do about it. This is a book to be read and shared with your family, friends and church.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCaroline Pomeroy, director, Climate Stewards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I love the fact that this book is global, intergenerational and intersectional in its scope, while still remaining accessible and full of hope. It presents a robust, biblical case for the need for Christians to engage with the work of climate justice and offers small and large ways in which this can happen. Most importantly, it provides a platform to hear from and celebrate young people who are striving to make a difference.’\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eLynne Norman, Methodist children, youth and family team\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Hawker family takes on climate change! Biblical insights drive them to take action on one of the most urgent issues of our time. This book is packed with hints and tips about how YOU can make a difference.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDr Martin Hodson, author, Oxford University lecturer and Principal Tutor for Christian Rural and Environmental Studies (CRES). \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘So often we hear the question, “But what can we do, and what if it doesn’t make a difference?” This easy-to-read book offers a guide to faith-filled, faithful action undertaken as part of our discipleship. Highly recommend.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRachel Mander, on behalf of Young Christian Climate Network\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a remarkable, timely book on a fundamental remit of all Christians. As it takes a multilevel approach, from initial ideas to complex changes, it is really accessible to people of all ages and experiences. The mixture of stories, Bible studies, statistics and next steps keeps it readable and relatable. As a missionary, minister and parent who has home-educated for years, I can see so many uses for this resource – personal study\/challenge, family devotion, small group project, educational material – and I highly recommend it.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHannah Prosser, Assemblies of God GB mission team\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is a wonderfully rich, engaging resource for meaningfully exploring and practically responding to one of \u003cem\u003ethe\u003c\/em\u003e most pressing issues of our time. It facilitates intergenerational reflection on a wide diversity of environmental concerns in ways that are informative and interesting, considered yet challenging, and bold while biblical. Jamie’s (very helpful) tips at the end of each chapter have really motivated our family to up our game in terms of creation care engagement!’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRichard and Louisa Evans,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEn Route Course facilitators, All Nations Christian College, UK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Weaving together biblical insight, creative and accessible suggestions for taking action, and stories sourced from around the globe, this is rich resource for Christians of all ages wanting to engage with the climate crisis. Highly recommended.’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eJo Swinney, head of communications, A Rocha International\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘As well as this work being packed with practical suggestions on what to do about climate change, it is refreshing to find biblical reflection on the environment which focuses not on the classically obvious passages about stewardship and respect for creation, but on many Bible texts which one would not normally associate with our responsibility towards the created world, such as the story of Jonah and the parable of the good Samaritan. This leads to such challenging questions as ‘Who is my neighbour in the climate emergency?’ Written by a mother who has not driven for 20 years, a father known as the Cycling Psychologist and a son who wants to be a train driver, this book brings lessons from those who know what they are talking about.’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMark Greenwood, Baptist Missionary Society World Mission, overseas team leader for South America and Sub-Saharan Africa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eChanging the Climate\u003c\/em\u003e is a comprehensive, challenging and highly practical book that uses the Bible well with latest scientific evidence stating the case for us all to be more engaged in addressing climate change. The chapters are easily accessible, offering practical tips of things we can do to embrace creation care, interspersed with contemporary global examples where people and nations are suffering because of the current crisis they are experiencing. With space for personal reflection throughout, this book will help individuals, groups and families learn, adapt and change their behaviours as together we tackle one of the key issues of our time.’\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePhil, director, AWM-Pioneers \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The book challenges its readers to engage both spiritually and factually with one of the biggest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Its clever, interactive and logical style makes it attractive to all ages. I enjoyed that each chapter was divided into sections. This made it easier to read and also easier to refer back to as needed. I really enjoyed Jamie’s tips, which are full of interesting facts and easy steps that anyone can take as they journey to make their lifestyle more environmentally friendly. A very enjoyable and informative read.’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSimone Formolo-Lockyer, Latin Link\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘An extremely thoughtful, well-written yet practical book. Accessible and useful for all ages of your family and your church. It relates having a Christian faith to taking an action on climate change. If you are a Christian (or even if you are not!) and you’d like to know what \u003cem\u003eyou\u003c\/em\u003e can actually do to help save our planet – then this is the book for you.’ \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Jackson, youth leader\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Roger Day\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNearly 50 years ago as a young Christian journalist I was involved in writing about Christians living more simply, being less wasteful and finding joy in God’s beautiful earth. It was for a substantial section in \u003cem\u003eCrusade\u003c\/em\u003e magazine, produced by a group of us within the Evangelical Alliance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, all these decades later, Christians are yet again facing up to managing waste, reducing their carbon footprint and helping to save the planet. This time it’s become a genuine emergency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis powerful book explores climate change and the need for action in clearly written sections: The problem; Why we should act; What we can do. Within each of these three sections there are chapters on such issues as Want, Hope in action, A time to plant and Mustard seeds (and young people) matter. Each chapter starts with two or three Bible passages and includes a brilliant section for deeper thinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebbie and David Hawker are well respected psychologists with doctorates in the subject. Instead of producing an intellectual book, they have written in a clear, easy to understand style. Children and young people as well as adults are likely to find the book accessible as well as helpful and challenging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third contributor is David and Debbie’s 14-year-old son, Jamie. At the end of each chapter there is a section called ‘Jamie’s tips’. He also writes a glossary of terms at the end of the book. His ideas are thoughtful and easily understood. Jamie is a fan of Greta Thunberg, the climate activist. Like her, he has been involved in actions for climate change. As a result of his efforts for the environment, his Christian family caught the enthusiasm and are now vocal advocates for such change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent book is great for use by individuals, families and church groups. It will be ideal for parents, teachers in primary and secondary schools and Christian youth leaders. It contains plenty of important scientific facts and has a comprehensive appendix on ways to understand climate change. Hopefully it will help to counter the fake news circulating in some Christian circles that climate change isn’t true. Sadly, a book with such detailed material lacks an index.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI strongly recommend \u003cem\u003eChanging the Climate.\u003c\/em\u003e It’s a very useful tool for people who have a deep concern about the future of our planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Roger Day, retired psychotherapist and play therapist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWendy Bebbington, creative director of Newenglish design agency\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This is an easy to read book, clearly laid out - I'm reading it just for me, but can see how good it would be to use in groups. I love that teenager Jamie has taken some really smart actions that are inspiring me to think differently. It is packed with information and links that help me feel I can make changes and do things that will make a difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really like how they intertwine the bible into the whole book in a way that is very natural and gives a fresh look at how we care for God's planet'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr. Joel Callow, Zero Carbon Building Engineer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat an excellent guide for Christians wrestling with this most serious of modern subjects. Rooted in a clear-thinking, biblical world view, the Hawker family has a refreshingly positive and hopeful take on responding to climate change. They present the difficult reality without pulling their punches, illuminate this from the bible, then move on to practical steps we can take to make the future better than the present. Having read this for myself, I am now looking forward to reading it with my teenage children, and to choosing which of the many excellent charities they recommend to support as a family. Thank you Hawkers for writing a book of hope in challenging times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/jri.org.uk\/hannah-gray-reviews-changing-the-climate-by-debbie-david-and-jamie-hawker\/\"\u003eThe John Rae Initiative (JRI) blog\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Hannah Gray, June 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a straight-talking, down-to-earth book written by a married couple and their teenage son. Debbie and David Hawker are psychologists who work with mission organisations and their son, Jamie, is a teenage climate activist. The book has two subtitles ‘Applying the Bible in a climate emergency’ and ‘A resource for families and churches’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter profiles a different Christian charity working to alleviate the effects of climate change amongst vulnerable communities around the world and highlights an inspiring testimony from a young climate activist in diverse cultures and contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese real-life stories feature along the way, as the authors take the reader on a journey from the roots of the climate emergency, through the creation care narrative of the Bible, to the call for all Christians to wake up to the urgency and scale of action required. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eApplying the Bible in a climate emergency\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe writers frame the climate emergency problem around our spiritual condition, beginning Part 1 with two chapters (Waste and Want) that describe how our collective greed and wastefulness has created global environmental problems. In Part 2 they explain the Christian imperative for creation care, in four chapters organised around core Biblical themes of Faith, Love, Hope and Wisdom. The final section, Part 3 ‘What we can do?’, takes inspiration from scripture to suggest changes to travel and diet, to boost biodiversity, and to consider politics and protest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe whole book is grounded in scripture. Apparently, every book of the Bible is referenced somewhere in the text – but I will take their word for it! Each chapter begins with a Bible passage that has relevance to the topic addressed, and sometimes the authors offer a modern adaptation of the passage to suggest how it could read for society today. I found these climate-nuanced translations of familiar verses and parables particularly thought-provoking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is also grounded in science. Evidence is laid out from around the world to show how planet and people are suffering from climate change. The information is clear and accessible; the colourful diagrams, photos and ‘Did you know?’ boxes make the pages visually interesting as well as aiding comprehension. For those who want to dig deeper, there are boxes for ‘deep thinkers’, an appendix that explains the science of climate change, and another which sets out carbon emission and climate vulnerability data for different countries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA resource for families and churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChanging the climate spells out the urgency of the environmental problems we are all facing, whilst also making a compelling biblical case to take action. Yet the greatest strength is the practical ideas and tips listed at the end of each chapter. They range from quick and easy changes (eg re-use wrapping paper, be vegetarian once a week) to the more challenging lifestyle choices like how we heat our homes and whether to take a no-fly pledge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall groups could effectively journey together through the book, discussing issues highlighted in the green question boxes that punctuate the text. There are videos and websites mentioned in Appendix D for extra content in group study settings. Each chapter finishes with a box to write what you will attempt to do in the next month. Being accountable in a small group should be an effective tool for embedding change. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA humble tone and a brave attitude\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tone is informative, without being preachy, and encouraging, without being naïve. Importantly, the authors are humble, sharing what they could have done differently and how even determined eco-warriors can always do more. They acknowledge that individual change will not be enough to combat the climate emergency; there needs to be system change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapter ‘Moving mountains: large scale action’ bravely faces up to contentious topics like nuclear power and population growth – ‘\u003cem\u003ehaving one less child would reduce greenhouse gases 75 times more than adopting a vegan diet\u003c\/em\u003e’. The controversial group Extinction Rebellion (XR) features as well: ‘\u003cem\u003emembers of XR have upset people, but so did Gandhi, civil rights activists, suffragettes and Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e’. I think sometimes as Christians we tiptoe around these issues and I appreciate the refreshing assertiveness found throughout the text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book finishes with a reflection on 1 Corinthians 12, the Body of Christ, pointing out that some parts of the body are already suffering from climate change. They assert that each Christian needs to play their part towards a solution, whether that is praying, protesting, fundraising, innovating… what will your part be in fixing the climate emergency? This book offers plenty of inspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Hannah Gray for JRI\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2022. Review by Roger Thornington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book by the Hawker family – two clinical psychologists and their 14 year old son – is marketed as a ‘resource for families and churches considering climate change’. The book is designed as a workbook with three parts – ‘The problem’, ‘Why we should act’ and ‘What can we do?’ It concludes with five reference appendices and a glossary. All twelve chapters follow similar formats – a relevant Bible passage, a brief exposition and space to record your response. Options for action are reviewed – Extinction Rebellion is mentioned with approval, though with a caveat regarding its ethos. ‘Deep thinkers’ sections offer further details with some practical tips the authors have used. A brief thematic prayer is followed by related input from an organisation involved in addressing issues raised in the chapter, which concludes with ‘Jamie’s 12 tips for action’ and space to record your response. Does the book achieve the authors’ aim? Will you find it useful? I think families may benefit from reading it but for active ministers, I am not so sure. However, one thing is certain with climate change – doing nothing is not an option.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Roger Thornington\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Changing the Climate: Applying the Bible in a climate emergency
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A series of Bible passages unpacked to show the Bible’s relevance to environmentalism, and how we can all play our...