Ebook
This volume provides a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual, moral and practical themes of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si'. Leading theologians, ethicists, scientists and economists provide accessible overviews of the encyclical's major teachings, the science it engages and the policies required to address the climate crisis. Chapters on the encyclical's theological and moral teachings situate them within the Christian tradition and papal teaching. Science and policy chapters, engaging the encyclical and provide introductions to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The book provides a guide for those wishing to explore the issues raised by Laudato Si' but who lack the specialist knowledge required to know where to begin.
Aimed at an undergraduate audience, this book provides a reliable introduction to the major themes of Laudato Si' such as:
- a theology of Creation that embraces the insights of contemporary science
- a renewed understanding of the human person in relationship to the rest of creation
- a spiritual vision of love and responsibility for all creation
- the necessary connection between Christian solidarity with the poor and concern for the environment
- an introduction to the social encyclical tradition from which Laudato Si' both draws and develops
A guide to the theology, ethics, and spirituality of Laudato Si' in dialogue with science, economics and policy.
Provides an introduction to the major theological, ethical and policy themes of Laudato Si' for an undergraduate classroom
By including chapters on the science of climate change, ecology, policies, and technologies relevant to climate migration, the book provides a 'one stop shop' for religion/theology professors who want to teach a course on Catholic environmental theology
This book is written by experts in the relevant fields: theologians, scientists and economists
Introduction
Chapter 1
Integral Ecology: Francis's Moral and Spiritual Vision of Interconnectedness, Vincent J. Miller (University of Dayton, USA)
Chapter 2
The Physical Science of Climate Change, Robert Brecha (Hanley Sustainability Institute, University of Dayton, USA)
Chapter 3
Ecology: The Science of Interconnection, Terrence P. Ehrman, C.S.C. (Center for Theology, Science and Human Flourishing, University of Notre Dame, USA)
Chapter 4
“The Love that Moves the Sun and the Stars”: A Theology of Creation, Elizabeth Groppe (Xavier University, USA)
Chapter 5
“To Praise, Reverence, and Serve”: The Theological Anthropology of Pope Francis, Daniel Castillo (Loyola University Maryland, USA)
Chapter 6
Becoming Painfully Aware: Spirituality and Solidarity in Laudato Si', Douglas Christie (Loyola Marymount University, USA)
Chapter 7
Liturgy: The Exaltation of Creation, Sandra Yocum (University of Dayton, USA)
Chapter 8
The Option for the Poor in Laudato Si': Connecting Care of Creation with Care for the Poor, Maria Teresa Dávila (Andover Newton Theological School, USA)
Chapter 9
The Economic Vision of Pope Francis, Anthony Annett (Earth Institute, Columbia University, USA)
Chapter 10
Laudato Si': Concern for Our Global Commons, Ottmar Edenhofer (TU Berlin-Berlin Institute of Technology, Germany), and Christian Flachsland (Hertie School for Governance, Germany).
Chapter 11
What is to be Done? Climate Change Mitigation Strategies for the Next Generation, Robert Brecha (Hanley Sustainability Institute, University of Dayton, USA)
Chapter 12
Creation Care through Consumption and Life Choices, Daniel DiLeo (Creighton University, USA)
Chapter 13
Working Together to Address the Climate Crisis, Erin Lothes (College of Saint Elizabeth, USA)
Bibliography
Index
As a whole, the essays reach a satisfying depth of engagement on complex issues with jargon-free accessibility… an invaluable introductory companion to Laudato Si'.
Besides the volume's overall clarity, an 'encyclical reading guide' helpfully couple selections from Laudato Si' with each article. The volume could accordingly be used for parish reading groups, seminary courses, and advanced undergraduate courses … An integral ecology demands no less, and, as this volume makes clear, [Vincent J. Miller] should be commended for understanding Catholic education as a distinct means by which everything can indeed be connected.
Vincent J. Miller holds the Gudorf Chair in Catholic Theology and Culture at the University of Dayton, USA.