Publishers Weekly
12/05/2022
In this confident debut, Meyaard-Schaap, vice president of the Evangelical Environmental Network, sounds the alarm on the dangers of climate change with particular emphasis on the ways Christians can take action. Framing climate change as the “defining moral challenge of our time,” the author argues that “Christian faith and concern for the well-being of God’s creation” are intimately linked—even if one’s political and social beliefs may suggest otherwise. The author first probes the causes of this divergence, citing a common Christian emphasis on the spiritual realm over the physical, and the faith’s deep ties to the Republican party and its history of climate change denial. Meyaard-Schaap then analyzes scripture through an environmental lens, citing the creation narratives in Genesis 1 and 2, and elsewhere to explain that, though nature’s importance is underemphasized in current Christian narratives, the “theological imperative to love and serve God’s good creation” remains biblically central. As well, the author urges believers to eat less meat and drive electric cars, while stressing that Christians “have a particular responsibility toward this... engagement in public life.” Meyaard-Schaap easily balances matters of faith with those of action, and has a knack for helping readers reframe scriptural understanding without pandering to them. Christians will welcome this definitive faith-driven take on climate change. (Feb.)
Debra Rienstra
"While fellow Christians remain apathetic or dismissive, Christians concerned about the climate crisis can feel they are walking a lonely journey. For these lonely journeyers, Kyle Meyaard-Schaap is a patient, trustworthy, experienced encourager. His irresistible passion calls us back from deceptive narratives into the real story of God's redemptive love for all creation. This book is a deeply scriptural call to advocacy for people and planet as both moral necessity and spiritual discipline. What a gift! Finally, Christians can take courage and hand this book to others, saying, 'This. Read this.'"
Bill McKibben
"In a world suffering from ever-higher temperatures, loving one's neighbor has to mean coming to grips with the climate crisis. This faith journey provides both illumination and inspiration for action!"
Michael Wear
"Kyle Meyaard-Schaap has helped so many understand that caring for creation is a response to the call of the Creator. In this book, Kyle helps us see anew both the crucial responsibility Christians have in caring for the environment and how issues of environmental promise and degradation can bring us closer to Jesus."
Richard J. Mouw
"This is a marvelously engaging book about overwhelmingly urgent matters. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap is convinced that we are formed by stories in how we understand reality, and he urges us to approach climate change action in the light of the gospel's Big Story. I pray that many will be moved to climate advocacy by the compelling personal stories that Meyaard-Schaap tells in making his case."
Steve Bouma-Prediger
"This is an excellent book: insightful readings of the Bible, a perceptive analysis of our culture, and honest and engaging reflections in well-written prose. Following Jesus in a Warming World is a must-read for any Christian seeking to understand what it means to live one's faith in these tumultuous times."
Kristin Kobes Du Mez
"Kyle Meyaard-Schaap is a storyteller, and in issuing 'a Christian call to climate action' he invites readers to listen to others' stories—to theological stories, to political and historical stories, and to deeply personal stories. Most importantly, by educating, equipping, and inspiring, he invites readers to inhabit a redemptive story. Following Jesus in a Warming World is an essential guide for individuals and churches seeking wisdom and loving kindness, and pursuing justice in an era of climate change."
Ben Lowe
"Kyle Meyaard-Schaap is a leading voice calling American Christians to more faithful climate action. This book shares his captivating and convicting journey as an ordinary Christian seeking to love God and neighbor in these extraordinary days of global climate and biodiversity crisis. Read this to be inspired to take a stand and be empowered to find your voice as a follower of Jesus in God's good but groaning world."
Jonathan A. Moo
"This is an inspiring book! Kyle Meyaard-Schaap is unfailingly honest, charitable, and compelling, whether he is interpreting Scripture or unfolding the history of evangelicalism or sharing his own journey toward taking seriously the whole story of the Bible and what it means to follow Jesus in this age of climate crisis. Rather than vague platitudes, his advice bears the marks of an experienced leader and activist. Yet what will stick with readers the most is a host of characters whose stories help us see the reality of climate crisis, the power of the gospel, and the beauty of what might be possible when Christians act in joyful and defiant hope."
Jonathan Merritt
"This book is absolutely urgent today. Everywhere we look, there are clear signs that creation is in crisis. Following Jesus in a Warming World offers a warning, a wake-up call, and a way forward for Christians striving to be faithful disciples in the twenty-first century. Rather than pile on the guilt and shame, Kyle Meyaard-Schaap winsomely invites readers to embrace a faithful life that accounts for the ecological state of our world. This book is a balm for the climate-anxious soul!"
Wesley Granberg-Michaelson
"This book does far more than share compelling facts about a warming world. It tells the story of how following Jesus leads us to protect a world threatened with ecological catastrophe. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap shares the stories of real people on this journey and offers pathways for us to follow. We often say, 'Let's hear the voices of young people shaping our future.' Kyle has empowered them. But those voices are shouting, 'Our future is on fire!' Reading this book doesn't just tell us what to think but shows us what to do."
