Catholic Theological Formation Series (CTF): On Earth as It Is in Heaven (ePub)

With the 2015 publication of Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si', many people of faith have found themselves challenged to seek new ways of addressing serious ecological questions — issues essential to the flourishing of all creatures and not just human beings. This volume brings together fifteen select scholars to consider pressing contemporary environmental concerns through the lens of Catholic theology. Drawing from the early church fathers and other authoritative voices in the Christian tradition, the contributors to On Earth as It Is in Heaven show how ancient, creedal Christianity offers significant insights into our current ecological dilemmas and speaks powerfully about what it means for us today to care well for God's good creation. CONTRIBUTORS and TOPICSRobert Louis Wilken on honoring centipedes and toads — and all of God's created worksChristopher J. Thompson on not reducing creatures to "resources" solely to be "used"Steven A. Long on understanding the created order as a participation in the divine, eternal lawMarie George on human stewardship of creation as both kingship and kinshipMatthew Levering on "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" — a good idea?Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF, on sustainability from a Franciscan perspectiveJohn A. Cuddeback on land use and household stewardshipFaith Pawl on animal flourishing and sufferingPaul M. Blowers on evolutionary theory and the promise of restoration for all creationChristopher A. Franks on Job, poverty, gratitude, and "a gentle life"Jonathan J. Sanford on how Aristotle and Maritain illuminate our obligation to care for creationPaige E. Hochschild on contemplating rather than dominating nature, building on Augustine and George GrantChris Killheffer on how monastic sources help us rethink gluttony and its remediesDavid Vincent Meconi, SJ, on the wonderful, awe-filled interrelationship between creatures and their CreatorEsther Mary Nickel, RSM, on the liturgy as the space in which all creation is consecrated before the cross of Christ