Summer 2006/Vol. 42, No. 2

New York: Oxford University Press, 2003) 240 pages ISBN 0-19-515716-8 $42.00 US (hardcover).

Book Review

The Paradise of God: Renewing Religion in an Ecological Age

by Norman Wirzba

Since the publication of Lynn White’s 1967 article in Science Christians have shouldered much of the blame for environmental degradation.1 Despite several insightful responses which have challenged the logic of White’s interpretations, this stigma persists, at least in the minds of many.2 Thus, a book which champions biblical teaching as contributing positively to the resolution of the ecological crisis is most welcome. This is the flavor of Wirzba’s thoughtfully articulated book, The Paradise of God. He argues that the biblical doctrine of creation provides the essential foundation for responsible perceiving, choosing and acting as it relates to current ecological dilemmas.

The book is characterized by several prominent themes, the most central being the need to recover a sense of our status as creatures in God’s great paradise. According to the author, the creation account has too often been read as an explanation of origins (with all the attendant controversies) and has too rarely been examined as an indicator of both God’s intentions and our ongoing place within the created order. Embedded in this profoundly significant doctrine lies the much needed perspective that humans are not autonomous. As Wirzba puts it, “Modern life bespeaks the refusal to acknowledge and live out the relational/interdependent character of all human life” (p. 3). This misguided attitude both exposes the source of the problem and carries the seeds of its resolution. We must view ourselves as creatures who, while occupying an important place in creation, do not belong at its center.Three linked sub-themes augment the book’s central message of interdependence, infusing the author’s thesis with additional energy. These are serving, Sabbath and soil. Unfortunately, the “creation mandate” has too often been understood as endorsing human domination and exploitation, rather than loving service. Yet the Son of God, himself the Creator of all, came to serve others. Another powerful illustration is Noah’s role as servant in the flood account. His was a ministry of hospitality, making room and caring for all the creatures, not just those useful to him. Also linked with the theme of service is the concept of community, for community is built not around similarity, but around serving one another and helping each other flourish. Sabbath is rooted creation work. Sabbath-keeping expresses faith, recognizes limits, sees the bigger picture and values the health of all. It exists as an invitation to celebrate creation, reminding us that we are not God—we are not in control. Rather, we are encouraged to rest in the faithfulness of our Creator.

Soil speaks of our earthly roots and our finitude (“to dust you will return”). Soil is essential for food production. The creation account is situated in a garden. One helpful practical activity suggested by the author is gardening, for in this endeavour, we quickly recognize that we are not in control. Though not opposed to technology or urbanization, the author sees both as obstacles impeding humans from truly acknowledge their status as interdependent creatures.

This book will not satisfy everyone. It offers little specific information about environmental degradation, and is skimpy in the practical outworking of its insights. Nor can it be read quickly, for it cries out for extended reflection and serious engagement. Nevertheless, as a skilled wordsmith, the author’s pithy, memorable expressions are a pleasure to ponder. A few of my favourites are the following: “though creation’s gifts are enormous, they are not infinite” (p. vii); “we tend to care for what we care about” (p. 7); we need to see ourselves as “enmeshed members of an unfathomably complex history of habitat development” (p. 94); the entire created system is “stunningly complex” (p. 103).

Through patient study of the vast, inter-connected web of creation, we can deepen our understanding of and appreciation for all that exists. We will also be drawn into greater depths of gratitude, wisdom and sensitivity in our strategic roles within The Paradise of God.

— Harold Faw is Professor of Psychology at Trinity Western University.