Bonhoeffer and Climate Change: Theology and Ethics for the Anthropocene

Dianne Rayson examines the place of theology in the public discourse around anthropogenic climate change, using the creation theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer to explore the human relationship to Earth and the ecology of which we are a part. She proposes a Bonhoefferian ecoethic as a response to Bonhoeffer's question, "who actually is Jesus Christ, for us, today?"

Format: Hardback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Theology plays a crucial role in the public discourse surrounding anthropogenic climate change. It explores the complex relationship between humans and the Earth, addressing issues such as our understanding of the human-environment interaction, the consequences of human attempts to dominate nature, and the devastating impact we have had on our own home. In her book, "Creation Theology and the Human Future: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Vision for a Post-Holocene Age," Dianne Rayson delves into these profound questions.

Rayson employs the creation theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian who lived during the Second World War, to examine what it means to be human in the post-Holocene age. Bonhoeffer's theology is rooted in his Christological beliefs and his this-worldly ethical orientation. Rayson argues that Bonhoeffer's theology provides the necessary tools for an Earthly Christianity, one that is grounded in a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things and a commitment to living in harmony with the Earth.

One of the central themes of Rayson's book is the question, "Who actually is Jesus Christ, for us, today?" Bonhoeffer's theology offers a profound response to this question. According to Rayson, Bonhoeffer believed that Jesus Christ was not just a historical figure but also the embodiment of God's love and grace for all creation. In the post-Holocene age, where human actions have had a significant impact on the Earth's ecosystems, Bonhoeffer's vision of a Christ-centered ecoethic becomes increasingly relevant.

Rayson proposes a Bonhoefferian ecoethic as a way to address the challenges posed by anthropogenic climate change. This ecoethic is based on the idea that humans are part of the natural world and that we have a responsibility to care for and protect the Earth. It emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the Earth's ecosystems, reducing our carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable practices.

Rayson's book offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding anthropogenic climate change. It provides a theological framework for understanding the human-environment relationship and offers practical solutions for promoting a more sustainable and just future. By employing the creation theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rayson demonstrates how theology can be a powerful tool for addressing the urgent environmental challenges of our time.

In conclusion, the place of theology in the public discourse around anthropogenic climate change is significant. By exploring the relationship between humans and the Earth, theology provides the tools for understanding our role in the natural world and for promoting sustainable practices. Rayson's book, "Creation Theology and the Human Future: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Vision for a Post-Holocene Age," offers a valuable contribution to this debate by employing the creation theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer to examine what it means to be human in the post-Holocene age and by proposing a Bonhoefferian ecoethic as a way to address the challenges posed by anthropogenic climate change.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 228 x 164 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978701830