The Environmental Stewardship Committee
of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

Resources for Christian Education Curricula, Action Committees, and Prayer Groups

The earth is the Lord’s
and all that is in it
Ps. 24.1
   
New Recommendations from our members:
  Faith in Conservation: New Approaches to Religions and the Environment Martin Pahner, The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank, Washington, 2003. Pahner explores what the world's religions have to say about global development and its impact on the environment. Posits that religion can offer alternative models of conservation approaches and develop programs for their own faithful.
  Preaching Creation Throughout the Church Year Jennifer M. Phillips, Cowley Publications, Boston, 2000. Rev. Phillips offers a wealth of ideas on the ethical issues raised by science, technology, and environment relating to all three scripture lessons for every Sunday of the three-year lectionary cycle.
  What Are They Saying About Environmental Ethics? Pamela Smith, SS.C.M., Paulist Press, New York, 1997. Well-knovm lecturer and Aquinas scholar presents an excellent introduction to various environmental ethics approaches, key texts, and major figures. It includes a clear analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each.
  The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-Than-Human World David Abram, N.Y., Pantheon Books, 1996. A philosopher follows the initial relationship between nature and the development of language, then the process of our gradual human estrangement from the natural world.
Publications and Books: Aids for Christian Action Programs
  Alternatives for Simple Living P.O. Box 2857, Sioux City, IA 51106; or 312 Morningside Ave., P.O. Box 2857, Sioux City, IA 51106; phone 712-274-88755 or 800-821-6153. www.SimpleLiving.org Organization committed to equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly, and celebrate responsibility.
  An Octave of Mediations on Integrity of Creation Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry, Inc. P.O.Box 5811, Columbus, GA 31906; phone 706-327-0400. Meditations to be studied privately or in groups.
  Care of the Earth: An Environmental Resource Manual for Church Leaders Ed. By Tina B. Krause. Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. 1994.  
  Earth Prayers from around the World Elias Amidon and Elizabeth Roberts, Eds. HarperSanFrancisco, San Francisco, CA, 1991. Prayers from all times and places for every day of the year.
  Jubilee 2000 Conference Resource Packet Peace and Justice Ministries, The Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Avenue, N.Y., N.Y. Order for $10.00 at 800-334-7626. A thick, idea-filled, inspiring packet. Especially helpful for developing curriculums for Christian Education for all ages.
  Of the Land, For the Land Jubilee Agriculture Ministries, 1965 East Ellis Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282; phone 602-839-7674. Curriculum for churches and people of faith who own farmland and for all people who care how their food is grown.
  One God, One Family, One Earth: Responding to the Gifts of God's Creation Environmental Stewardship Team of the Episcopal Church. Episcopal Church Center, 815 2nd Ave. N.Y.,N.Y. 10017. 1996. Big section on environmental resources.
  Meditations on the Earth: A Book of Quotations, Poetry and Prose Holly Hughes, Ed. The Nature Company, Berkeley, CA, 1994. Great source for quotes.
  Praying with the Celtic Saints Mary Earle and Sylvia Maddox. Saint Mary’s Press, Christian Brothers Publications, Winona, Minnesota, 2000. San Antonio authors present 14 units of meditations, each centered around the life of a Celtic saint. Good book for discussion / prayer groups.
  Simplicity as Compassion: Voluntary Simplicity from a Christian Perspective Michael Schut. Earth Ministry, 1305 NE 47th St., Seattle, WA 98105. 1996. www.SimpleLiving.org . Eight-session curriculum for use by small groups or individuals. See book version above.
  The Book of Creation: An Introduction to Celtic Spirituality J. Philip Newell. Paulist Press, Mahwah, New Jersey A guide to Celtic spirituality and meditation organized around the days of creation, exploring each day of creation as a manifestation of God. Meditation exercises at the end of each chapter.
  You Can Be A Frog’s Friend, A Box Turtle’s Buddy, Or a Corn Snake’s Chum Oxbow Meadows, 4225 University Ave. Columbus State University, Columbus, GA. 31907-5645; phone 706-687-4090. Describes an “Adopt-a-Critter” species sponsorship program. Or contact local environmental organizations which may have similar programs.
Videos: Aids in Christian Education Programs
  Break Forth into Joy Alternatives, P.O. Box 2857, Sioux City, IA 51106-0857. Helps form a critical look at lifestyle choices. Use with adults or senior high classes.
  Faithful Earthkeeping Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  
  The Greening of Faith Cathedral Films and Video, P.O. Box 4029, Westlake Village, CA 91359. Two programs: “Theology and Spirituality” Biblical foundations for ecology, nature as sacramental, reconnection of faith and science and “Ethics”environment and justice, ethical obligation beyond the human species.
  Keeping the Earth Union of Concerned Scientists, Two Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA 02238-9105. A call to serve as good stewards of the natural world.
  Jane Goodall: Reason for Hope Public Broadcasting System, 800-645-4727 or www.shopPBS.com . Goodall’s life shows us how a commitment to a sustainable earth is inseparable from her spiritual life. The Dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco is one of the persons who talks about Goodall.
Books that Explore the Relationship Between Environment and the Spiritual Life
  The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-Than-Human World David Abram, N.Y., Pantheon Books, 1996. A philosopher follows the initial relationship between nature and the development of language, then the process of our gradual human estrangement from the natural world.
  Sacred Paths and Muddy Places: Rediscovering Spirit in Nature Stephen Altschuler, Walpole, NH, Stillpoint Publishing Discovering grace and commitment by paying attention to ordinary things, inside and outside ourselves.
  Celtic Christianity: Ecology and Holiness Christopher Bamford and William P. Marsh, Lindisfarne Press, Hudson, N.Y., 1987. Insight into the integration of saintliness and nature in the early Celtic church. Useful introductory essay, compilation of legends, early writings, and poems.
  The Dream of the Earth Thomas Berry, Sierra Club Books, 1988. Essays. An American monk sees the earth as a self-organizing process that is governed by the primordial 'dream' from which all things have come into being.
  Sabbaths Wendell Berry, North Point Press, San Francisco. 1987. Poetic reflections and meditations on the interdependence of all things.
  God’s Earth, Our Home Shantilal P. Bhagat, Ed., National Council of Churches of Christ, 1994.  
  Heart Whispers Elizabeth J. Canham, Upper Rooms Books. An excellent introduction to the Benedictine Rule. Especially relevant to environmental stewardship is the chapter entitled "Simplicity." Emphasizes that now is the time for commitment, for staking our lives on making God's presence known in creation. Canham's position reflects our environmental committee's mission statement.
  This Sacred Earth: Religion, Nature, Environment Roger S. Gottlieb, Ed., New York, Routledge Press, 1996. Introduction to the theory and practice of religious environmentalism. Selections from world sacred texts and a broad spectrum of new ecotheological writings.
  Simple Living: The Path to Joy and Freedom Jose Hobday, Continuum Press. Chapters on space, spirit, discipline, food, clothing, recreation, work, faith, and worship.
  A Sense of the Morning: Field Notes of a Born Observer David Brendan Hopes, Milkweed Editions, Minneapolis, NM 55415. Shares writer’s outdoor epiphanies. Part of a special Milkweed publishing project to bring best of nature writing. See below for web site.
  Landscapes of the Sacred: Geography and Narrative in American Spirituality Baldwin Lane, New York, Paulist Press, 1988. Considers the way particular groups of Americans have found religious nourishment in places where they lived. Explores sacred space as that place where we are.
  The Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Desert and Mountain Spirituality Beldon Lane,New York: Oxford UP, 1998. Explores the impulse that draws seekers into the wilderness and offers testimony to the healing power of mountain silence and desert indifference.
  Eco-Pioneers Steve Lerner, MIT Press. 1998. Practical Solutions to Environmental Problems.
  Animal Theology Andrew Linzey, University of Illinois Press, Urbana, IL, 1995. Esteemed philosopher reviews the history of the theological controversy surrounding human relationship and responsibility towards animals and the natural world. Presents strong scriptural and theological precedent for a reverent and respectful stance towards the natural world.
  Natural Christians: How we should love nature Sallie McFague,Super, Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1997. Christian spirituality centered on nature as the focus of our encounter with the divine. Discusses city planning and wilderness, photography, hiking, gardening, recycling, urban decay, and poverty, as well as incarnation, embodiment, and sacramentality.
  Cathedrals of the Spirit: The Message of Sacred Places T.C. McLuhan,New York, HarperCollins, 1996. Exploration of geographical and metaphysical terrain of sacred sites natural and man-made. Voices of philosophers, poets, writers, saints, and sinners from Buddha to Thoreau.
  TREK:Venture Into a World of Enough Mennonite Central Committee,Mennonite Central Committee, 21 South 12th Street, Akron, PA 17501.  
  The Book of Creation: An Introduction to Celtic Spirituality J. Philip Newell, Paulist Press, Mahwah, N. J., 1999. Essays and meditation guides centering upon the seven days of creation. Also works well for discussion groups.
  Spirit and Nature: Why the Environment Is a Religious Issue Steven Rockefeller and John Elder, Boston: Beacon Press, 1992. A collection of presentations from the Bill Moyers PBS program "Spirit and Nature," featuring leaders from major religious traditions around the world.
  Just and Proper Use: Issues in Environmental Stewardship Judy Scherf, Office of Stewardship, Episcopal Church Center, 815 2nd Ave., N.Y.,N.Y. 10017.  
  Simpler Living, Compassionate Life: A Christian Perspective Michael Schut, Living the Good News, a division of Morehouse, Denver, Co. 1999. Comprehensive overview of the ways living simply has positively affected our culture. Practical guide for creating simplicity in our own lives. See below under “Publications” for a curriculum version of this book.
  Servanthood Rt. Rev. Bennett J. Sims, Cowley Publications, 1997. Retired Episcopalian bishop talks about the rewards of dedicating our activities towards the benefit of others. Inspiring discussion about our obligations to creation.
  Fugitive Faith: Conversations on Spiritual, Environmental, and Community Renewal Benjamin Webb, Maryknoll, NY, Orbis Press, 1998. Interviews with political and spiritual leaders, naturalists and scientists, writers and poets about the interface between nature and human spirituality. Looks at the practical relationship of spiritual, environmental and community renewal.
  Beasts and Saints Helen Waddell,Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1995. Stories of animals and saints, taken from the Desert Fathers and the Celtic saints.
  The Diversity of Life E.O. Wilson, W.W. Norton & Co., W.W. Norton, N.Y. 1992. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Professor of Science at Harvard University.
  State of the World Worldwatch Institute, W.W. Norton, N.Y.. Annual report
PUBLICATIONS Dealing with Environmental Issues
  The Amicus Journal Natural Resources Defense Council, 40 West 20th St., N.Y., N.Y. 10011 - http://nrdc.org . Quarterly magazine of environmental opinion and analysis for the general public. Thought-provoking articles and good poetry. Also publishes books.
  Co-op America Co-op America, 1612 K Street, NW, #600, Washington, DC 20006- www.coopamerica.org . Quarterly of organization dedicated to promote economic strategies that create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. Great guide for consumers - covers everything from groceries to computers to vacations.
  Food for Life Handbook Earth Ministry, 1304 NE 47th St., Seattle, WA 98105. 1997.  
  EarthLight: Exploring the Relationship of Ecology and Spirituality 1558 Mercy St., Mountain View, CA 94041, pburks@earthlight.org or http://earthlight.org . Explores the relationship of nature and religion, science and the sacred, cosmology and community.
  Mountain Echoes Episcopal Appalachian Ministries, P.O.Box 51931, Knoxville, TN 37950. Quarterly newsletter describing active ministry and social and economic issues affecting Appalachians in rural and urban settings.
  Orion 195 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230-1623 - http://www.orionsociety.org . Essays, poetry, photography promoting environmental awareness in an artistic format. Work / educational programs described in sister publication Orion Afield.
  Parabola: The Magazine of Myth and Tradition Parabola, 656 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. 10012. http://www.parabola.org Published quarterly. Explores sacred myths,symbols, rituals, and arts which have inspired people in all times and places. Each issue is theme-oriented.
  Petroglyph Utah State University.- www.usu.edu/~petro/glyph.htm Journal devoted to nature and celebrations of personal connection to the environment.
  Portland Magazine University of Portland - http://www.uofport.edu/news/pdx/default.html. Quarterly journal of well-written essays and stories about the mission-related concerns of teaching, faith, and service.
  Resurgence: An International forum for ecological and spiritualthinking www.gn.apc.org  
  Voluntary Simplicity: Towards a Way of Life that is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich 1993. Order from www.awakeningearth.com  
ORGANIZATIONS Promoting an Environmentally Conscious Lifestyle
  Alternatives for Simple Living P.O. Box 2857, Sioux City, IA 51106; or 312 Morningside Ave., P.O. Box 2857, Sioux City, IA 51106; phone 800-821-6153. www.SimpleLiving.org Committed to equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly, and celebrate responsibility.
  The Association for the Study of Literature and Environment www.asle.umn.edu/ Explores the relationship between humans and non-human nature. Biannual conferences featuring well-known nature writers. Web links to a wealth of resources in related topics: environmental art and music, environmental education, environmental philosophy, environmental history, environmental publications, environmental organizations, and environmental news groups.
  Audubon Society 700 Broadway, N.Y.,N.Y, 10003. www.audubon.org Good education programs, beautiful and informative magazine.
  Co-op America 1612 K Street NW, #600, Washington, DC 20006 - www.coopamerica.org Aims to create a socially just and environmental sustainable society. See publications above.
  Earth Ministry 1304 NE 47th St.,Seattle, WA 98105 - www.earthministry.org  
  Milkweed Editions, World As Home publishing project 1011 South Washington Ave. #300, Minneapolis, MN 55415. www.worldashome.org . Books that explore the ethical, cultural and aesthetic dimensions of our relationship to the natural world. Web site uniquely organized into 15 ecoregions and features information and writings relevant to that region.
  The Orion Society 195 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. 01230 - http://www.orionsociety.org An award-winning publisher, environmental education organization, and support network for grassroots environmental and community organizations across North America. The very helpful web site contains links to further resources.
  Union of Concerned Scientists Two Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA 02238-9105. www.ucsusa.org  
Web Site Index of Publications and Organizations Dedicated to Environmental Issues
  Alternatives for Simple Living www.SimpleLiving.org  
  The Association for the Study of Literature and Environment http://www.asle.umn.edu/  
  Audubon Society www.audubon.org  
  Co-op America www.coopamerica.org  
  Earthlight www.earthlight.org  
  Earth Ministry www.earthministry.org  
  Milkweed Editions, World As Home www.worldashome.org  
  Natural Resources Defense Council http://nrdc.org  
  The Orion Society http://www.orionsociety.org  
  Parabola www.parabola.org  
  Petroglyph www.usu.edu/~petro/glyph.htm  
  Portland Magazine www.uofport.edu/news/pdx/default.html  
  Resurgence: An International forum for ecological and spiritual thinking www.gn.apc.org/resurgence/  
  Union of Concerned Scientists www.ucsusa.org  
  Voluntary Simplicity www.awakeningearth.com  

For a complete listing of environmental resources including books, publications, organizations and websites, download our PDF file - enviread.pdf