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Review: "For the Beauty of the Earth: an Adventist Theology of Ecology" by Warren Trenchard

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Review: Christian Spirituality and Science Issues in the Contemporary World Volume 4 Issue 1 The Christian and the Environment Article 3 2003 Review: "For the Beauty of the Earth: An Adventist Theology of Ecology" by Warren Trenchard Arthur Patrick Avondale College Follow this and additional works at: https://research.avondale.edu.au/css Recommended Citation Patrick, A. (2003). [Review of the book For the beauty of the Earth: An Adventist theology of ecology, by W. Trenchard]. Christian Spirituality and Science, 4(1), 17-18. Retrieved from https://research.avondale.edu.au/css/vol4/iss1/3 This Book Review is brought to you for free and open access by the Avondale Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Science at ResearchOnline@Avondale. It has been accepted for inclusion in Christian Spirituality and Science by an authorized editor of ResearchOnline@Avondale. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Patrick: Review An Adventist Theology of the Earth: Ready for a Leap Forward? Summer temperatures in Southern been roundly, and often rightly, criti- California in June and July 2003 cised for neglecting environmental were as usual, often far above those responsibility. This lack has been of a living human body. As a guest experiencing increasingly effective lecturer in the School of Religion at correction since the 1960s, not least La Sierra University, Riverside, I val- by the burgeoning literature that ued an air-conditioned office and the Trenchard cites. Adventism has computer used during the academic been slower than mainstream Chris- year by Dr Warren C Trenchard’s tianity to come to terms with this student assistant. But the benefits long-neglected dimension of biblical were far more than pleasant physi- thought. Yet, as Trenchard contends, cal space and electronic technology: there are cogent reasons why our they included vibrant discussions theology demands more attention be with Trenchard and access to some given to the well being of the planet of his recent manuscripts. One of on which we reside. them, “For the Beauty of the Earth: Trenchard calls us to “develop an Ad- An Adventist Theology of Ecology,” ventist theology of the earth within a has since been published in Spec- paradigm of five basic affirmations”: trum: The Journal of the Association of creation, deterioration, salvation, Adventist Forums 31, No 3 (Summer anticipation and restoration. God is 2003), 34–45. creator and sustainer of the physical Trenchard directs La Sierra’s gradu- world as well as its human, animal ate programs and is Professor of and plant life. The rebellion of hu- New Testament and Early Christian mans degraded the planet and life Literature there. His PhD studies upon it. God in Jesus Christ has at the University of Chicago and confronted this deterioration and ongoing research have flowered into provided for the ultimate restoration significant journal articles and books of the world and life upon it. God, from major presses. Now, in this new through the Holy Spirit, provides Spectrum article, he applies similar instalments toward this restoration. rigour to a neglected field. The fifth affirmation, restoration, declares that “God will restore the Christianity began in considerable physical world and its human, ani- measure as an apocalyptic move- mal, and plant life to their pristine ment and it maintains a living state for eternity.” interest in the world to come. It is not surprising, therefore, that it has 17 Published by ResearchOnline@Avondale, 2003 1 Christian Spirituality and Science, Vol. 4 [2003], Iss. 1, Art. 3 However, Trenchard moves beyond is beyond dispute, well focused in the significance of such affirma- Trenchard’s final words: “ God will tions to stress the relevance of two hold humans accountable for how symbols that he identifies as central they have fulfilled their responsibili- to Adventism: Sabbath and Sanctu- ties to care for the earth.” ary. The Sabbath celebrates God’s Trenchard’s original title for his creation and sustenance of the earth article was “A Paradigm for an Ad- and its life forms, and “is a reminder ventist Theology of the Earth.” He is that God saves not only humans but even more interested in a theology also the earth.” Sabbath rest is “an of the earth than in a theology of anticipation of the earth’s ultimate ecology, believing that the appropri- renewal,” calling us to “work tangi- ate religious motivation for ecology bly now to advance that renewal,” is a positive theology of the earth. realising “that the ultimate rest of His central purpose, therefore, is eternity will include the restoration to register an urgent call for the of the earth from deterioration.” development of a theology of the Trenchard is most compelling of all earth that will result in ecological in the application he makes of the responsibility. To this end his article doctrine of the Sanctuary, underlin- lays out a paradigm or framework ing the importance of God’s view of for constructing such a theology from humans and their physical environ- an Adventist perspective. Along the ment. He notes the applicability of way he documents how, in recent the Sanctuary symbol to creation, decades, Adventists have begun to deterioration, salvation, anticipa- more adequately apply their theol- tion and restoration, finishing with ogy to the issue of ecology. His essay a sentence (Pauline in its length!) calls for both reflection and action. calling Adventist Christians who Its significance does not demand a embrace the sanctuary symbol to “ac- step forward—but a well-calculated knowledge that from the beginning leap toward better articulation and of creation God has been present in implementation of neglected respon- and identified with the earth and all sibilities that are inherent even in the its human and other life forms.” Not millennialist aspects of Adventist only did God’s presence continue to theology. grace the earth after human rebellion Arthur Patrick, DMin, PhD occurred, it climaxed in the Christ Research Fellow, Avondale College event, it is experienced through the Holy Spirit, and it will be completed “when all things are restored to their pristine perfection.” The evidence 18 https://research.avondale.edu.au/css/vol4/iss1/3 2.
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