The Green Good News: Christ’s Path to Sustainable and Joyful Life, T. Wilson Dickinson, (Cascade Books, Eugene, 2019).

The Kingdom and the Climate

Wilson Dickinson, in his book The Green Good News, addresses the topic of climate change. Climate change is a hot topic. We have read books and articles on the topic, and we have watched movies and videos. Enemies have been identified—from fossil fuel companies, agribusinesses, to water bottles. We have called on governments to pass laws to lower pollution and protect the environment. In our minds, we have determined what we will do to enter the battle. We will buy smaller SUV’s next time we purchase our cars, drink tap water and pack our groceries in reusable bags. Dickinson’s book challenges these perspectives, perceptions, and responses. He makes his readers uncomfortable, yet gives his readers hope.

Dickinson’s book examines the world’s empires that have created our polluted world and identifies the forces that are at work preventing actions that could reverse global warming. As a follower of Jesus, Dickinson, looks to the teachings of Jesus for insight. It becomes obvious to Dickinson that our present plight is a modern day reply of the clash between the Roman Empire and the Kingdom of God. Centuries ago Jesus’ words instructed his followers in ways to live in God’s kingdom and subvert the powers of the empire. Jesus’ words enabled the early Christians to live abundant, free, loving and world changing lives in the face of opposition and persecution. Those same words provide practical teachings along with the gospel’s life giving message to us as well.

New Insights

I like The Green Good News. It casts a fresh and needed perspective on the struggles we face with global warming. The book not only looks at governments and global businesses, but also our personal struggles with identity and community. As a former parish pastor and preacher, I appreciated the insightful way Dickinson worked with Jesus’ parables, teachings and actions. What he sees is not allegorical, nor merely insights into God’s character. Dickinson uncovers pictures of a world broken by greed, corruption, and a misuse of wealth and power. There are also demonstrations of how God’s kingdom breaks into such a world and changes it. (I’d buy this book for its work with the parables of Jesus, if nothing else.)

Dickinson, invites groups to gather and discuss what he presents, by providing a study guide. This is not meant to be a book to read, put down, and then pick up another book. It is a book to read, ponder, discuss and then act on. This book comes with my highest recommendation.

 

I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.