Franciscan Writings: Hope amid Ecological Sin and Climate Emergency

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This book explains key Franciscan values and a hope-filled vision of peace, justice, and sustainability for all of creation. Dawn M. Nothwehr engages with a wide variety of topics such as: ecological sin, environmental destruction, a positive Franciscan soteriological path forward, practical tools necessary for conversion, planet-healing actions, and life-sustaining changes. Part 1 includes two chapters on the Old and New Testament texts frequently utilized by St. Francis and St. Clare that uphold values essential for Franciscan ecotheology. Part 2 features a chapter on St. Francis and one on St. Clare, mapping the distinct major landmarks of their vernacular theologies on creation care. The two chapters of Part 3 first outline the formal Franciscan theology and spirituality of St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, before diving into the Christology and ethics of Blessed John Duns Scotus. In four chapters, Part 4 focuses on major ecological issues with an interdisciplinary approach considering current science, Franciscan theology, ethics, spirituality and praxis. Designed for classroom use, each chapter includes a wide variety of pedagogical features: primary texts, reflection and application, questions for reflection and discussion, suggestions for action, a short prayer and suggestions for further study.

Reviews

Nothwehr's book serves as footprints for the actions of my colleagues in the Laudato Si'-Asia Platform and is indispensable for those living in the Pacific, especially the smaller islands, who are certainly facing a climate emergency. -- Edmund Chia, Australian Catholic University, Australia
Guided by a distinctively Franciscan vision, the author of this challenging book offers a wide range of biblical, theological and ethical reflections on the dynamics and implications of the climate emergency. Chapter by chapter, Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF, incorporates insights from a wide selection of relevant sources written by prominent figures identified with the Franciscan Tradition. Throughout the book, she illustrates the importance of caring for our Common Home by providing thought-provoking orientations for critical theological reflection on a variety of related topics. In a very compelling way, this book fosters an intergenerational moral commitment to sustainability and inspires participative action. -- Margaret Eletta Guider, OSF, Th.D., Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, USA
It is difficult for me to think of anyone who is better qualified than Dawn Nothwehr to offer an informative, heartfelt, and persuasive account of Franciscan theology, spirituality and ethics for addressing the global climate crisis. I highly recommend this timely book as a dawn of hope in the midst of despair. -- Tobias Winright, St Patricks Pontifical University, Ireland
Going from the Bible to Francis and Clare and to the thoughts and theology of Bonaventure and Scotus, Dawn Nothwehr invites us to look at our past regarding creation to learn What is ours to do in the face of climate change. She offers us hope and resolve in a time of climate emergency. -- Gilberto Cavazos-Gonzalez, Catholic Theological Union, USA
In this important book, Dawn Nothwehr articulates an intertwined serries of socio-ecologically engaged insights, including those sourced in key Franciscan writings. The results powerfully illustrate streams of integral hope that can help us navigate our way out of the present climate emergency and, thus, represent cogent reading for our times. -- Christopher Hrynkow, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Author Bio

Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF, is the Erica & Harry John Family Professor of Catholic Theological Ethics at Catholic Theological Union, USA.