

Can theologians respond meaningfully to the overwhelming scientific evidence that human activities are accelerating the temperature of Earth and adversely affecting people, other species, ecological systems, and the biosphere? Members of the Catholic Theological Society of America’s Interest Group on Global Warming have dug deeply into the biblical to contemporary traditions, reflected systematically, and produced seventeen original essays that demonstrate fruitful ways in which to approach the climate crisis so that current and predicted effects may be mitigated. Framing these essays are an overview of basic scientific findings that compelled this group effort and statements by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Pope Benedict XVI.
 “Confronting the Climate Crisis is a collection of exciting essays offering the best Catholic theological reflection on the pressing ethical issue of sustainability. The broad spectrum of perspectives in its pages – which includes creation theology, feminist criticism, and the teaching of Benedict XVI and the U.S. Catholic bishops – makes it an especially excellent classroom resource.”
      
    John E. Thiel, Professor of Religious Studies, Fairfield University President, Catholic Theological Society of America
      Jame Schaefer is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology & Ethics at 黑料论坛 where she directs the Interdisciplinary Minor in Environmental Ethics and advises Students for an Environmentally Active Campus. For several years she convened the CTSA interest group that generated this anthology. Prior to her academic career, Schaefer served as a leader of local and regional environmental advocacy groups, a consultant to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on energy and ecological issues, and an appointee to policy advisory positions by county, state, and national governments.
CONTENTS
      Introduction
      Jame Schaefer 9
  
      Biblically Inspired Perspectives
  
      1 Sophia Wisdom & Climate Change
      Suzanne Franck 39
  
      2 Creation & Covenant in the Theology of the Apostle Paul
      Annemarie S. Kidder 55
  
      3 An Ecological Hermeneutic of Col 1:15-20: A Panentheistic Proposal
      Vincent A. Pizzuto 75
  
      Perspectives Inspired by Medieval Theologians
  
      4 Bonaventure’s Franciscan Christology: A Resource for Eco-Conversion toward Halting Human-forced Climate Change
      Dawn M. Nothwehr, O.S.F. 101
  
      5 Thomas Aquinas, the Cosmic Common Good, & Climate Change
      Daniel P. Scheid 125
  
      6 On Knowing Oneself in an Age of Ecological Concern
      William C. French 145
  
      7 Catholic Theology, International Law, & the Global Climate Crisis
  William P. George 177
      Perspectives Inspired by 20th-Century Theologians
  
      8 A Teilhardian Value-Supportive World View
  Robert Faricy, S.J.  201
  
      9 Teilhard & the Limits to Growth: The Evolutionary Dynamic toward ‘Ultra-Humanity’
  Richard W. Kropf 211
  
      10 Climate Change & the Theology of Karl Rahner: A Hermeneutical Dialogue
  Denis Edwards 233
  
      11 Changing Our Minds: Bernard Lonergan & Climate Change
      Richard M. Liddy 253
  
      12 Hans Urs von Balthasar & Deep Ecology: Towards a Doxological Ecology
  Anthony C. Sciglitano, Jr. 277
  
      13 Thomas Berry as the Groundwork for a Dark Green Catholic Theology
      Peter Ellard 301
  
      Feminist Perspectives 
  
      14 Rushing Winds & Rising Waters: Seeking the Presence of God in a Radically Changing World
      Colleen Mary Carpenter 323
  
      15 Trees, “Living Symbols of Peace & Hope”: Wangari Maathai & Ecofeminist Theology
  Anne M. Clifford, C.S.J. 339
  
      Catholic Social Teaching Perspectives
  
      16 “With Generous Courage” Promise & Poignance in the Legacies of Pope John Paul II & Pope Benedict XVI
  Connie Lasher & Msgr. Charles Murphy 365
  
      17 Solidarity, Subsidiarity, & Preference for the Poor: Extending Catholic Social Teaching in Response to the Climate Crisis
  Jame Schaefer 389
  
      18 Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence, & the Common Good
      U.S. Catholic Bishops, with Comments by Jane Elyse Russell, O.S.F. 427
  
      19 If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation 447
  Pope Benedict XVI 
  
  Contributors 459
  
  Index 467