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Book Notes

Evocations of Grace
Book review by Peter Bakken

Nearly a half-century ago, Joseph Sittler was one of a very few theologians who spoke out about human rapacity toward the earth as a serious theological issue. In 1953 he wrote, "Today, man is no longer related to nature in God's intended way. Nor can he from within himself find his way to the blasted garden of joy. That, fundamentally is why he plunders what he ought to tend . . . . and at the same time cannot avert his eyes from his violated sister who is heard groaning ' in pain and travail until now' "(Rom 8:22).

The theme of what we might now call a "theology of ecology" ran through Sittler's writing and speaking up until his death in 1987. Although many more theologians have taken up that theme in recent decades, Sittler's words remain fresh, thought?provoking and inspiring. His deep grounding in Scripture and the whole breadth of Christian tradition, his sensitivity to the changing currents of modern culture as expressed in poetry, art, and music; and his vivid, evocative, and earthy writing style make his voice distinctive and delightful. This collection of essays from 1954 to 1975 are intended to give this voice a wider hearing.

Sittler's words still ring as a challenge to us: "If in piety the church says, 'The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof' (Psalm 24:1) and in fact is no different in thought and action from the general community, who will be drawn by her word and worship to 'come and see' that her work or salvation has any meaning?" ("Evangelism and the Care of the Earth," 1973)

Evocations of Grace: Writings on Ecology, Theology and Ethics. By Joseph Sittler. Edited by Steven Bouma-Prediger and Peter Bakken. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.

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