The Theological and Ecological Vision of Laudato Si': Everything is Connected

by Bloomsbury Academic

Overview

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.

Laudato Si' was a major milestone in the Catholic Church's teaching on ecology and the environment. While it received global praise as a challenge for courageous action at the Paris Climate Talks, its importance goes far beyond one act of advocacy. The encyclical modeled a compelling, public engagement between theology and science. Pope Francis offered both a moral and spiritual response to the climate and environmental crises, and a renewed interpretation of major Catholic doctrines to illuminate our ecological connection with the rest of creation.

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 for all creation
- the necessary connection between Christian solidarity with the poor and concern for the environment
- it introduces readers to the social encyclical tradition from which Laudato Si' both draws and develops.

The additional materials available through Bloomsbury's website include:
- powerpoint slides for science chapters
- video-mini lectures to supplement the chapters
- learning assignments keyed to help students engage with major points
- links to online resources relevant to the encyclical and to the environmental crises

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567673152
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/27/2017
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Vincent J. Miller holds the Gudorf Chair in Catholic Theology and Culture at the University of Dayton, USA.

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

"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'." - Studies in Christian Ethics

"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." - Theological Studies

From the Publisher