Many Heavens, One Earth: Readings on Religion and the Environment

(Paperback)

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Description

Many Heavens, One Earth is a collection of first-person voices from nine of the world religions. In fifteen articles, devotees and scholars reveal the contributions these traditions make to informing and motivating an ecological response to the environmental issues that beset planet earth. The spiritual messages of world religions have an indispensable and decisive role to play in addressing these environmental problems, for, at their root, these ecological issues are spiritual problems: Unless greed is replaced by moderation and sharing, materialism by spiritual insights and values, consumerism by restraint and simpler living, exploitation by respect and service, and pollution by caring and protection, natures hospitality will be foolishly rebuffed, and therefore our descendants will inherit a polluted and depleted earth. Religion can be, and must be, a part of this replacement. Since at least 90% of the worlds people claim allegiance to various major world religious traditions, religion can exert a crucial and transforming influence.

Reviews

The essays in this much-needed and well-edited anthology provide up-to-date reflection on religious themes and teachings that can help us think about the proper place of humans in earths ecosystems. Many Heavens, One Earth is at once readable enough for beginners and authoritative enough for use by scholars. Clifford Chalmers Cain has done a great service for religious scholarship and the world in assembling this collection of readings. -- Marti J. Steussy, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis
Clifford Chalmers Cain[s]collection would make a good resource for an undergraduate or graduate course interested in religion and the environment. -- Perry Kea, University of Indianapolis

Author Bio

Clifford Chalmers Cain is professor of religious studies at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.