Green Reflections: Biblical inspiration for sustainable living
Biblical reflections on the environment and our relationship with it
How should we look after the world we inhabit?
Title | Green Reflections: Biblical inspiration for sustainable living |
Author | Martin Hodson and Margot Hodson |
ISBN | |
Description | How should we look after the world we inhabit? Martin and Margot Hodson bring together scientific and theological wisdom to offer 62 reflections inspired by passages from the Bible in a thoughtful exploration that encourages both reflection and response. Themes include The Wisdom of Trees, Landscapes of Promise and Sharing Resources. |
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How should we look after the world we inhabit?
Martin and Margot Hodson bring together scientific and theological wisdom to offer 62 reflections inspired by passages from the Bible in a thoughtful exploration that encourages both reflection and response. Themes include The Wisdom of Trees, Landscapes of Promise and Sharing Resources.
Dr. Martin Hodson is a plant scientist and environmental biologist and has over 100 publications mostly in international science journals. He teaches at both of the universities in Oxford and is the Principal Tutor for the distance learning course, Christian Rural and Environmental Studies (CRES).
Rev. Margot Hodson is Theology and Education Director for the John Ray Initiative (JRI), an organisation connecting Environment, Science, and Christianity. She is also a Vicar in the Oxford Diocese. The Hodsons have published widely together on Christianity and the environment, and have several books including A Christian Guide to Environmental Issues (BRF, second edition).
Transforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Liz Pacey
This slim volume lives up to its subtitle and is packed with ‘Biblical inspiration for sustainable living’. A mixture of theological and pastoral themes, the subjects include: biblical guidelines for understanding the environment; Christian reflections on environmental issues; and sharing resources. Less obviously titled, but very intriguing, are the chapters labelled ‘Landscapes of promise’, ‘Storms and fair weather’, and ‘The wisdom of trees’. I found myself absolutely fascinated by the last one. All the reflections inspire us to take better care of God’s wonderful creation. If read as daily notes there are enough for two months, but potential uses extend much further: group studies, quiet days, sermon pointers. There is a useful index of Bible references, and a concise but thorough list of further reading and websites. With resources like these there is really no excuse for Readers to be ignorant of the state of our world. Martin Beek’s beautiful artwork scattered throughout the pages helps make the book one to treasure, and perhaps the thoughtful and energising pastoral gift you were looking for.
Reviewed by Liz Pacey
Progressive Voices, issue 38, September 2021. Review by Stuart Hannabuss
Martin and Margot Hodson bring together scientific and theological wisdom to offer 62 biblical reflections. Clearly laid out and accompanied by pictures by Martin Beek, it is an attractive guide for church groups, pastors, and young people.
This book celebrates the ‘world charged with the grandeur of God’ (from the poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins). The book alerts and reminds us of the fragility of the natural world and need for stewardship and responsibility.
They divide things into six categories (each made up of passages, commentaries, and prayers, each a double-page opening): Biblical guidelines, sharing resources, trees and weather and landscapes, and rounding up with Christian reflections on environmental issues. There are times when the metaphors are pushed to the limit (the almond tree stays active through time and so should we as we get older; rain falls on the desert, a symbol of hope if you suffer loss; rivers keep moving, so don’t look back with regret).
But most reflections make good sense as environmental theology, and are topical and grounded in good practical sense (like food banks, global debt, hospitality, what churches can do). Throughout quotations from OT and NT are used to make the point. We can trust in God yet we only have ourselves to blame if we don’t step up to the plate. God’s gift of creation is under threat, and Green Reflections is a timely resource offering hope and challenge. ‘This century is going to be tough’, they sign off.
Reviewed by Stuart Hannabuss
Caversham Bridge, August 2021. Review by Meryl Beek
Not long ago, were you watching the BBC’s Springwatch TV programme? If so, you will have noticed a new feature. For a few moments, instead of the enthusiastic chatter of the presenters, we were asked to join in a ‘Mindful Moment’. This was a quiet time to enjoy a beautiful landscape, an animal at play or perhaps a close up of a bee entering a wild flower. Whatever part of the natural world was used, we were encouraged to feel part of it.
When we pick up a new book called ‘Green Reflections’, by Martin and Margot Hodson, we are invited to go one stage further. Here our natural world is linked with biblical interpretation. There are sixty short meditations, accompanied by colourful paintings of the countryside. This book contains something for everybody. Starting with ‘The wisdom of trees’ through to ‘Sharing resources’ and ‘Storms and fair weather’, it ends with ‘Christian reflections on environmental issues.’
The Hodsons have been busy. A second edition of their book ‘A Christian guide to Environmental Issues’ has also been published this year. It has been fully revised and is absolutely oozing with information. This is presented under eight headings which include biodiversity, climate change, population and energy. It will be invaluable for study group leaders and others.
Caversham Bridge is a church and community newspaper: www.cavershambridge.org
Review by Kate Lemon: One25
A lovely small book for the creative amongst you as it offers a host of psalms, prayers and sections from the bible to inspire:
- Your own worship
- The worship of others
- Christian events – harvest festival or activities focussed on climate change
The chapters are short and illustrated by Martin Beck. Altogether a great practical guide to living ethically.