“God looked over everything that He had made; it was so good, so very good!” Into this good creation God placed creatures made “reflecting [God’s] nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself.” The creatures given this responsibility were human beings (from Genesis 1, The Message).

Over the last 30 years, the vocabulary Christians use to describe their relationship with creation has changed from words like “dominion” and “mastery” to ones like “responsibility” and “stewardship.” Joanne Moyer challenges her readers to do more than just change their language, she calls for a transformation in the way Christians think and live out their everyday lives.

Moyer is well qualified to issue this call, having degrees in theology and environmental studies, and having worked as a researcher with a number of environment-related agencies.

Using the days of creation as an organizing structure, the book takes readers through seven areas of Christian environmental concern, using titles like “Let There Be Light,” “The Blue Planet,” “In God’s Image” and “Holy Rest.” Each chapter is subdivided into sections; a brief discussion of a scientific and ecological context is followed by a “faith connection” which locates the identified concern in a spiritual and theological frame. Each section also includes a reflection piece: like a poem, a song or a quotation.

Moyer also includes a series of practical suggestions about how North American Christians can change their lifestyles, and become responsible for their stewardship of creation. The suggestions range from the simple to the complex, from the personal to calls for public engagement.

Commissioned by the Mennonite Central Committee, the book is designed for use in study/action groups. One of the best parts of the book are the comments provided by people who used an earlier draft of the resource. Their insights reinforce the truth that taking seriously the stewardship of creation is not a solo activity; it is better done as part of a group which discusses the changes people might make in their lives and holds each other accountable for their commitments. The bibliography gives readers both print and electronic resources for further reading and study.

Moyer reminds us that responsible stewardship of God’s very good creation is a deeply spiritual and Christian activity.

Peter Bush is Teaching Elder at Knox Presbyterian Church in Mitchell, Ontario.