Religious Education - Books and Resources


Books and Resources for your Congregation Books and for Your Church Library The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices, by the Union of Concerned Scientists reveals that only seven spending categories account for most consumer-related environmental damage, allowing meaningful consumer choices to be distinguished from less significant ones. Michael Brower and Warren Leon. New York: Three Rivers Press, 1999. Purchase at bookstores or on the web, http://www.ucsusa.org/, or call the Union of Concerned Scientists at 617-547-5552. They will send it priority mail for $14. Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit. Al Gore. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1992. For the Common Good: Redirecting the Economy toward Community, the Environment and a Sustainable Future. This is the main book on sustainability and is by an economist, Herman Daly and a theologian, John Cobb, Jr. Originally published in 1989, an updated and expanded version was published in 1994, Beacon Press. Global 2000 Revisited: What Shall We do? An excellent report on the critical issues of the 21^st century prepared for the 1993 Parliament of WorldÌs Religions by the Millennium Institute. Gerald O. Barney. Can be ordered from Public Interest Publications, P.O. Box 229, Arlington, Virginia 22210, or call 1-800-537-9359. Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution. Paul Hawken, Hunter Lovins and Amory Lovins. Little Brown and Company, 1999. "Most businesses still operate according to a world view that hasn't changed since the start of the Industrial Revolution. Then, natural resources were abundant and labor was the limiting factor of production. But now, there's a surplus of people, while natural capital --natural resources and the ecological systems that provide vital life-support services--is in decline and relatively expensive. The next Industrial Revolution, like the first one, will be a response to changing patterns of scarcity. It will create upheaval, but more importantly, it will create opportunities, by using a new business model: natural capitalism. See web site http://www.natcap.org/ Natural Landscaping: Gardening with Nature to Create a Backyard Paradise. Sally Roth. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, Inc. 1997. Includes sections on attracting birds, and butterflies. Reconnecting with Nature: Finding Wellness Through Restoring Your Bond With The Earth.Michael J. Cohen, Ed.D., Ecopress, Corvallis Oregon. Shows how to use 24 sensory nature reconnecting activities to recover our natural sensitivities, their happiness, beauty and connection to Earth. From founder of Project Nature Connect, The Sacred Earth: Religion, Nature, Environment. Roger S. Gottlieb, ed. Routledge 1996. An Interfaith collection of writings, surveying traditional religious perspectives on nature, as well as contemporary responses. Most selections are from Judaism and Christianity, although other religions are also represented. $24.95. Spirit and Nature: Why the Environment is a Religious Issue. An Interfaith Dialogue. Rockefeller, Steven C. and John C. Elder., eds. Taken from Bill MoyerÌs PBS special ÏSpirit and NatureÓ. Boston: Beacon Press 1992. State of the World: A Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress Toward a Sustainable Society.These Annuals have been published since 1984, and are now translated into 27 languages. The annuals have different essays each year, the essays are shortened versions of longer studies completed during the year. You can also subscribe to get copies of the full reports as they come out (The full list of these is at http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/plist.html). The Annual is in bookstores, or order from Worldwatch Institute, 1776 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202-452-1999, Fax 202-296-7365, E-mail: wwpub@worldwatch.org. Their web site is at http://www.worldwatch.org. Theology for Earth Community: A Field Guide. Hessel, Dieter T., ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1996. A collection of essays to address two questions: 1) What writings and themes in this field of theology, or area of religious leadership, are helpful in fostering understanding of and engagement in the environmental challenge? And 2) What new theological work and approaches to eco-justice teaching and leadership are most needed to engage the deepening crisis of earth community? Vital Signs: The Environmental Trends That Are Shaping Our Furture Annual. Wkorldwatch Institutite, Includes 100 charts, graphs and tables that show the worldwide treends that are changing our livess. It includes the latest data on critical global treends, presented in simple graphics, along with concise thoughtful annalysis. Order from Worldwatch Insitutue. On the web at: http://www.worldwatch.org. Religious Magazines for your Congregation's Library Creation Care, formerly Green Cross, given with membership in the Evangelical Environmental Network, $25/yr. Write Green Cross, 10E Lancaster Ave. Wynnewood, PA, 19096 or call 800-650-6600. ÏThe only biblical based magazine encouraging a clear understanding of our responsibilities to care for the environment as GodÌs people. Earth Letter: Earth Ministry's informative, inspirational mini-journal is published five times a year. Its articles, stories, and book reviews highlight Christian environmental spirituality, theology and action, and reflect on the Christian's call to care for all creation. It is well-written, engaging and relevant. Five issues (one year) with minimum $10 donation to Earth Ministry.Ü For a trial subscription of three free issues, contact Earth Ministry at emoffice@earthministry.org. EarthLight: Magazine of Spirituality and Ecology, 111 Fairmount Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. $18. e-mail to FCUN@together.org. Exploring the relationship of Ecology & Spirituality-Empowering individuals and faith communities to live and work in touch with the Earth.Ó Published quarterly by the Friends Committee on Unity with Nature, a North American Quaker environmental concerns network. Their web site is at http://www.earthlight.org or write to EarthLight magazine 111 Fairmount Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. For information write to: FCUN, 179 N. Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401 , or send e-mail to FCUN@together.net. Earth Ethics: Evolving Values for an Earth Community. An award winning quarterly, publishes the best thinking in emerging Earth ethics. Articles focus on sustainable practices in education, religion, the arts, business, agriculture, and other fields. Writers provide updates on international forums which are challenging current economic and development practices. The journal promotes alternative models for sustainable communities and lifestyles, based in ecospiritual practice and principles. Book reviews, event calendars, and feature articles provide resources for those wishing to accelerate our transition to a just and sustainable future. Center for Respect of Life and Environment, 2100 L Street, NW. Washington, DC 20037. $12 per year. Or become a member of the Center for $20, which includes a subscription. Target Earth Serving the Earth, Serving the Poor. Target Earth is a non-profit organization calling Christians to love God, serve people and care for all creation. It is an Evangelical Environmental magazine, available with membership, which is free. Sign up on line at http://www.targetearth.org, e-mail CEAMAIL@aol.com, or call Gordon Aeschliman 509-332-4411, or write to 3 015-P Hopyard Rd. Pleasanton, CA 94588 925.462.2439 Fax 925.462.2469 YES! A Journal of Positive Futures. Published by the Positive Futures Network, a nonprofit organization formed to encourage people's active engagement in creating a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. PO Box 10818 Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 206.842.0216 Fax 206.842.5208 yes@futurenet.org. (http://www.yesmagazine.org). Newsletters Earthkeeping News the publication of the North American Conference on Christianity ad Ecology. Contains news of various environmental ministries around the country, resource information, and others. Comes with membership of $25 a year. North American Conference on Christianity andÜ Ecology, 1522 Grand Ave #4C, St. Paul, MN 55105. I Am Jeremiah A newsletter of the Jeremiah Project: "an interdenominational ministry with and for people who are chemically sensitive and/or have been chemically injured." They offer worship, support, and community for people with "MCS/EL." They also work toward education others about the harm the overuse of chemicals has caused all of creation, including the human species. Voices of the Trees The quarterly publication of Shomrei Adamah/Keepers of the Earth, a Jewish organization that focuses creating on environmentalÜ awareness among Jews by relating ancient Jewish ecological wisdom. Various membership levels. Shomri Adamah, Church Road and Greenwood Ave. Wyncote, PA 19095. Laurie Hollin, Managing Director, Shomrei Adamah, at (212) 807-6376 , Fax (212) 924-5112, shomadam@aol.com (Laurie Hollin). General Magazines Conscious Choice: The Journal of Ecology and Natural Living. Conscious Choice is a bi-monthly magazine of the American Midwest that reports on environmental issues and natural alternatives in health care, food, and nutrition. Each issue also takes a broad look at various topics from a perspective that sees the world as an interconnected, interdependent community whose survival depends on the development of sustainable patterns of living. Offered free in many Chicago area stores. (like the Reader is). Can also subscribe, six issues a year, $27 first class, $18 third class, write Conscious Choice 920 N. Franklin, STE 202, Chicago, IL 60610-3179. E Magazine- The Environmental Magazine, begun in 1989,Ü ÏA substantial magazine, E is chock full of everything the budding environmentalist needs to know, from Îrainforests to recyclingÌ and from the Îpersonal to the political.ÌÓ Published bimonthly, $20, Write E Magazine, P.O. Box 2047, Marion OH 43305-2047, 815-734-1242, Or see http://www.emagazine.com/about.html. Green Guide: Environmental Change Begins at Home. Newsletter -15 issues a year. Write Mothers and Others 40 West 20^th Street New York, NY 10011-4211. Or 888-ECO-INFO. $25/yr. Mothers and Others for a Livable Planet, is a nonprofit organization working to promote consumer choices which are safe and ecologically sustainable for this generation and the next. Their motto is ÏEnvironmental Change Begins at Home. They translate the latest science into practical, service reporting on environmental problems from indoor and outdoor air pollution to dioxins, PCBs and endocrine-disrupting hormones and provide solutions, listing actions readers can take every day that will make a difference. Simple Living: The Journal of Voluntary Simplicity. A quarterly Edited by Janet Luhrs, Broadway Books, $20, can be ordered from the Simple Living Network at http://www.simpleliving.net/. Or write Simple Living, 2319 N. 45th Street, Box 149, Seattle, WA 98103, Phone: 206-464-4800. World Watch: Working for a Sustainable Future. The excellent bimonthly magazine of the WorldWatch Institute, $20, WorldWatch, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, or call 800-555-2028, or e-mail worldwatch@worldwatch.org. An Interreligious Publication on Chicago and Ecology One Creation, One People, One Place. A 16-page tabloid newsprint study that is both interreligious and focused on Chicago. It covers ecology, economy and community in the Chicagoland area, with maps illustrating various indicators of our progress toward a sustainable community. This publication was produced by the Interreligious Sustainability Project of Chicago and is available free from the Center for Neighborhood Technology at 312-278-4800, ex 255. Also available on the web at http://www.cnt.org

Books and Resources for your Congregation

The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices, by the Union of Concerned Scientists reveals that only seven spending categories account for most consumer-related environmental damage, allowing meaningful consumer choices to be distinguished from less significant ones. Michael Brower and Warren Leon. New York: Three Rivers Press, 1999. Purchase at bookstores or on the web, http://www.ucsusa.org/, or call the Union of Concerned Scientists at 617-547-5552. They will send it priority mail for $14.

Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit. Al Gore. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1992.

For the Common Good: Redirecting the Economy toward Community, the Environment and a Sustainable Future. This is the main book on sustainability and is by an economist, Herman Daly and a theologian, John Cobb, Jr. Originally published in 1989, an updated and expanded version was published in 1994, Beacon Press.

Global 2000 Revisited: What Shall We do? An excellent report on the critical issues of the 21^st century prepared for the 1993 Parliament of WorldÌs Religions by the Millennium Institute. Gerald O. Barney. Can be ordered from Public Interest Publications, P.O. Box 229, Arlington, Virginia 22210, or call 1-800-537-9359.

Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution. Paul Hawken, Hunter Lovins and Amory Lovins. Little Brown and Company, 1999. "Most businesses still operate according to a world view that hasn't changed since the start of the Industrial Revolution. Then, natural resources were abundant and labor was the limiting factor of production. But now, there's a surplus of people, while natural capital --natural resources and the ecological systems that provide vital life-support services--is in decline and relatively expensive. The next Industrial Revolution, like the first one, will be a response to changing patterns of scarcity. It will create upheaval, but more importantly, it will create opportunities, by using a new business model: natural capitalism. See web site http://www.natcap.org/

Natural Landscaping: Gardening with Nature to Create a Backyard Paradise. Sally Roth. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, Inc. 1997. Includes sections on attracting birds, and butterflies.

Reconnecting with Nature: Finding Wellness Through Restoring Your Bond With The Earth.Michael J. Cohen, Ed.D., Ecopress, Corvallis Oregon. Shows how to use 24 sensory nature reconnecting activities to recover our natural sensitivities, their happiness, beauty and connection to Earth. From founder of Project Nature Connect,

The Sacred Earth: Religion, Nature, Environment. Roger S. Gottlieb, ed. Routledge 1996. An Interfaith collection of writings, surveying traditional religious perspectives on nature, as well as contemporary responses. Most selections are from Judaism and Christianity, although other religions are also represented. $24.95.

Spirit and Nature: Why the Environment is a Religious Issue. An Interfaith Dialogue. Rockefeller, Steven C. and John C. Elder., eds. Taken from Bill MoyerÌs PBS special ÏSpirit and NatureÓ. Boston: Beacon Press 1992.

State of the World: A Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress Toward a Sustainable Society.These Annuals have been published since 1984, and are now translated into 27 languages. The annuals have different essays each year, the essays are shortened versions of longer studies completed during the year. You can also subscribe to get copies of the full reports as they come out (The full list of these is at http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/plist.html). The Annual is in bookstores, or order from Worldwatch Institute, 1776 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202-452-1999, Fax 202-296-7365, E-mail: wwpub@worldwatch.org. Their web site is at http://www.worldwatch.org.

Theology for Earth Community: A Field Guide. Hessel, Dieter T., ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1996. A collection of essays to address two questions: 1) What writings and themes in this field of theology, or area of religious leadership, are helpful in fostering understanding of and engagement in the environmental challenge? And 2) What new theological work and approaches to eco-justice teaching and leadership are most needed to engage the deepening crisis of earth community?

Vital Signs: The Environmental Trends That Are Shaping Our Furture Annual. Wkorldwatch Institutite, Includes 100 charts, graphs and tables that show the worldwide treends that are changing our livess. It includes the latest data on critical global treends, presented in simple graphics, along with concise thoughtful annalysis. Order from Worldwatch Insitutue. On the web at: http://www.worldwatch.org.

Religious Magazines for your Congregation's Library

Creation Care, formerly Green Cross, given with membership in the Evangelical Environmental Network, $25/yr. Write Green Cross, 10E Lancaster Ave. Wynnewood, PA, 19096 or call 800-650-6600. ÏThe only biblical based magazine encouraging a clear understanding of our responsibilities to care for the environment as GodÌs people.

Earth Letter: Earth Ministry's informative, inspirational mini-journal is published five times a year. Its articles, stories, and book reviews highlight Christian environmental spirituality, theology and action, and reflect on the Christian's call to care for all creation. It is well-written, engaging and relevant. Five issues (one year) with minimum $10 donation to Earth Ministry.Ü For a trial subscription of three free issues, contact Earth Ministry at emoffice@earthministry.org.

EarthLight: Magazine of Spirituality and Ecology, 111 Fairmount Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. $18. e-mail to FCUN@together.org. Exploring the relationship of Ecology & Spirituality-Empowering individuals and faith communities to live and work in touch with the Earth.Ó Published quarterly by the Friends Committee on Unity with Nature, a North American Quaker environmental concerns network. Their web site is at http://www.earthlight.org or write to EarthLight magazine 111 Fairmount Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. For information write to: FCUN, 179 N. Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401 , or send e-mail to FCUN@together.net.

Earth Ethics: Evolving Values for an Earth Community. An award winning quarterly, publishes the best thinking in emerging Earth ethics. Articles focus on sustainable practices in education, religion, the arts, business, agriculture, and other fields. Writers provide updates on international forums which are challenging current economic and development practices. The journal promotes alternative models for sustainable communities and lifestyles, based in ecospiritual practice and principles. Book reviews, event calendars, and feature articles provide resources for those wishing to accelerate our transition to a just and sustainable future. Center for Respect of Life and Environment, 2100 L Street, NW. Washington, DC 20037. $12 per year. Or become a member of the Center for $20, which includes a subscription.

Target Earth Serving the Earth, Serving the Poor. Target Earth is a non-profit organization calling Christians to love God, serve people and care for all creation. It is an Evangelical Environmental magazine, available with membership, which is free. Sign up on line at http://www.targetearth.org, e-mail CEAMAIL@aol.com, or call Gordon Aeschliman 509-332-4411, or write to 3 015-P Hopyard Rd. Pleasanton, CA 94588 925.462.2439 Fax 925.462.2469

YES! A Journal of Positive Futures. Published by the Positive Futures Network, a nonprofit organization formed to encourage people's active engagement in creating a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. PO Box 10818 Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 206.842.0216 Fax 206.842.5208 yes@futurenet.org. (http://www.yesmagazine.org).

Newsletters
Earthkeeping News the publication of the North American Conference on Christianity ad Ecology. Contains news of various environmental ministries around the country, resource information, and others. Comes with membership of $25 a year. North American Conference on Christianity andÜ Ecology, 1522 Grand Ave #4C, St. Paul, MN 55105.

I Am Jeremiah A newsletter of the Jeremiah Project: "an interdenominational ministry with and for people who are chemically sensitive and/or have been chemically injured." They offer worship, support, and community for people with "MCS/EL." They also work toward education others about the harm the overuse of chemicals has caused all of creation, including the human species.

Voices of the Trees The quarterly publication of Shomrei Adamah/Keepers of the Earth, a Jewish organization that focuses creating on environmentalÜ awareness among Jews by relating ancient Jewish ecological wisdom. Various membership levels. Shomri Adamah, Church Road and Greenwood Ave. Wyncote, PA 19095. Laurie Hollin, Managing Director, Shomrei Adamah, at (212) 807-6376 , Fax (212) 924-5112, shomadam@aol.com (Laurie Hollin).

General Magazines
Conscious Choice: The Journal of Ecology and Natural Living. Conscious Choice is a bi-monthly magazine of the American Midwest that reports on environmental issues and natural alternatives in health care, food, and nutrition. Each issue also takes a broad look at various topics from a perspective that sees the world as an interconnected, interdependent community whose survival depends on the development of sustainable patterns of living. Offered free in many Chicago area stores. (like the Reader is). Can also subscribe, six issues a year, $27 first class, $18 third class, write Conscious Choice 920 N. Franklin, STE 202, Chicago, IL 60610-3179.

E Magazine- The Environmental Magazine, begun in 1989,Ü ÏA substantial magazine, E is chock full of everything the budding environmentalist needs to know, from Îrainforests to recyclingÌ and from the Îpersonal to the political.ÌÓ Published bimonthly, $20, Write E Magazine, P.O. Box 2047, Marion OH 43305-2047, 815-734-1242, Or see http://www.emagazine.com/about.html.

Green Guide: Environmental Change Begins at Home. Newsletter -15 issues a year. Write Mothers and Others 40 West 20^th Street New York, NY 10011-4211. Or 888-ECO-INFO. $25/yr. Mothers and Others for a Livable Planet, is a nonprofit organization working to promote consumer choices which are safe and ecologically sustainable for this generation and the next. Their motto is ÏEnvironmental Change Begins at Home. They translate the latest science into practical, service reporting on environmental problems from indoor and outdoor air pollution to dioxins, PCBs and endocrine-disrupting hormones and provide solutions, listing actions readers can take every day that will make a difference.

Simple Living: The Journal of Voluntary Simplicity. A quarterly Edited by Janet Luhrs, Broadway Books, $20, can be ordered from the Simple Living Network at http://www.simpleliving.net/. Or write Simple Living, 2319 N. 45th Street, Box 149, Seattle, WA 98103, Phone: 206-464-4800.

World Watch: Working for a Sustainable Future. The excellent bimonthly magazine of the WorldWatch Institute, $20, WorldWatch, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, or call 800-555-2028, or e-mail worldwatch@worldwatch.org.

An Interreligious Publication on Chicago and Ecology
One Creation, One People, One Place. A 16-page tabloid newsprint study that is both interreligious and focused on Chicago. It covers ecology, economy and community in the Chicagoland area, with maps illustrating various indicators of our progress toward a sustainable community. This publication was produced by the Interreligious Sustainability Project of Chicago and is available free from the Center for Neighborhood Technology at 312-278-4800, ex 255. Also available on the web at http://www.cnt.org