Stewards of Eden

What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters

By: Sandra L. Richter

Narrated by: Pam Ward

Sandra L. Richter cares about the Bible. She also cares about the environment.

Using her expertise in ancient Israelite society and economy as well as in biblical theology, Richter walks listeners through passages familiar and not-so-familiar, showing how significant environmental theology is in the Bible's witness. She then calls Christians to apply that message to today's environmental concerns. Richter is a master Bible scholar. Each chapter in this timely book draws out a biblical mandate about care for the land, for domestic and wild animals, for people at the margins, and more. She is also a master storyteller. Well informed on the most significant challenges to present-day environmental stewardship, Richter includes case studies connecting modern day examples and scripture. Though current political values may tempt listeners to separate or even polarize Christian faith and ecological concerns, Richter urges us to be driven by God's values instead.

©2020 Sandra L. Richter (P)2020 eChristian

A Must Read for Committed Christians

This wonderfully written and beautifully spoken book is a must read/listen for both liberal and conservative Christians alike. U.S. reformed Christians in particular will find the Biblically-fact-based subject matter particularly enlightening especially in these devise times.

As a lifelong Christian, I have always appreciated God‘s beautiful creation and understood the scriptural mandate to be a good steward of it. This short book explains that concept in great yet simple detail and will at the very least enlighten and inform the reader. For some, this scriptural commentary on giving glory to God in all that we say and do will be life changing.

Scattershot with some insights

I liked the idea of it but found the points granular and a bit circular. Wish she could have made more straightforward points as she did in the conclusion.

Informative

I found that information very interesting and eye opening. The book held my attention throughout.

Solid both scripturally and as scholarship. Excellent narration, too.

This was a surprise treat that I listened to due to the inclusion in Audible. Glad I did. It made me want to share it with more pastors, friends and fellow academics than I might have imagined. Excellent narration (literally some of the very best I’ve heard—well done, Pam) made it easy to focus on the author’s points. Not overly theological or secular, Richter struck a fine balance (and also about right on length). I’m inclined to see if fellow Christian faculty might care to use it for a study. Sadly, too few believers will read it. As someone who grew up in (and ran from) the environmental and social ills of Appalachia I appreciate the care taken to illustrate how easily American Christians have been lured into capitalism-over-creation-care. I know few who ever speak of our responsibilities as stewards vs consumers.

Christian perspective

I liked the clear connection between Christian and environmentalism.
Many biblical issues were discussed with modern examples.
If you are not sure about practicing biblical environmentalism read this book.

So much to think about

As a new Christian who has been passionate about the environment since my pre-Christian life, I have struggled with my old ideals and the seemingly little importance placed on them in some Christian circles. Sandra Richter's beautiful study of the Bible's message about our role as environmental stewards has really given me hope, not only for the new creation, but also for God's desire to make all things new through His church. I am ready to share this with my Christian friends!

Deep look at environmental care

A deep theological and scriptural examination of the Christian call to ecological justice. well researched