cover image 50 Ways to Help Save the Earth: How You and Your Church Can Make a Difference

50 Ways to Help Save the Earth: How You and Your Church Can Make a Difference

Rebecca J. Barnes-Davies, . . Westminster John Knox, $14.95 (125pp) ISBN 978-0-664-23370-9

In a slim handbook, Barnes-Davies, former director of Presbyterians Restoring Creation, gives readers real world, practical tips and encouragement for putting their faith into action as responsible stewards of God’s creation. The book’s organization (seven chapters with seven sections each and a culminating 50th item) reflects the “Jubilee” in Leviticus, which the author interprets as a mandate to care for the environment as a way of caring for others. Each of the 50 useful suggestions includes brief description of a specific action serving the environment, followed by half a dozen or so “how-tos” and a blurb about a particular group that is “walking the talk.” But it’s not all hard work for change. The seventh item in each chapter directs readers to slow down, relax and enjoy intentional Sabbath moments. The clear and practical advice is a welcome addition to the increasing awareness among faith communities that environmental issues are religious, too. (June)