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An intriguing intersection is emerging between ecology and faith as new literature increasingly explores themes of climate and the natural world in connection with spirituality. This trend has led the Book Industry Study Group to introduce a new BISAC code focusing on Religion/Christian Theology/Ecology, highlighting the growing interest in this subject matter.
“It’s about time,” remarked Valerie Weaver-Zercher, an acquiring editor at Broadleaf, which is set to release three significant titles in this genre this spring. “Books that explore the relationship between the natural world and faith are essential for bridging two realms that have often been seen as separate.”
Mother, Creature, Kin: What We Learn from Nature’s Mothers in a Time of Unraveling by Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder is already making waves, having been featured in The Atlantic and discussed on NPR’s “Maine Calling.” Weaver-Zercher describes the book as a thought-provoking exploration that invites readers to glean insights from maternal figures in nature, offering guidance on navigating an era of environmental change. The author draws from diverse religious traditions and scientific insights to unveil the sacred connections within the ecosystem, which she believes showcases the intricate, eternal web connecting all living beings.
Field Guide to Church of the Wild, authored by Victoria Loorz and Valeria Luna Serrels, is a continuation of their previous work, Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us into the Sacred (2021). Weaver-Zercher notes that the first installment played a pivotal role in fostering a movement of faith that convenes in natural settings. She describes the Field Guide as an essential manual that compiles the lessons and narratives from these unique worship experiences set amidst nature.
Another title from Broadleaf, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees (set for release on April 22), written by Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy, builds on the authors’ six-week video course offered through the Center for Spirituality in Nature. Editor Lisa Kloskin emphasizes that this book integrates personal stories with practical spiritual exercises that encourage readers to engage with trees as sources of wisdom.
Amanda Hope Haley, a biblical archaeologist, offers a fresh perspective on well-known biblical narratives in her upcoming book, Stones Still Speak: How Biblical Archaeology Illuminates the Stories You Thought You Knew (September). Haley emphasizes the need to consider the historical and archaeological background of familiar stories, such as that of Moses or Jonah, in order to grasp their deeper meanings. Rachel McRae, executive editor at Revell Books, explains that this approach challenges longstanding interpretations, helping readers discover a richer understanding of the Scriptures.
In If the Ocean Has a Soul: A Marine Biologist’s Pursuit of Truth Through Deep Waters of Faith and Science (Tyndale Refresh, June), Rachel G. Jordan examines the interplay of scientific inquiry and biblical tenets. The book raises profound questions regarding suffering, death, and what marine life reveals about divine nature, aiming to foster a dialogue between faith and science.
Two recent publications also delve into discussions surrounding life’s origins as depicted in scientific and biblical narratives. John H. Walton’s eighth entry in the Lost World Series, New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis (IVP Academic), released on April 15, modernizes previous volumes that have found considerable success. Walton incorporates contemporary scholarly insights, addressing perennial queries in the ongoing evolution-creation discourse while analyzing the Biblical account of creation.
Lastly, in Beyond Evolution: How New Discoveries in the Science of Life Point to God (Tyndale Refresh, August), biologist Sy Garte, a former atheist, challenges both secular scientists and religious adherents to reevaluate their positions. The publisher notes that Garte presents compelling new biological evidence suggesting intentionality at the cellular level, advocating for the existence of a creator God.
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