New Genesis

Overall, this book is a collection of essays having something to do with the environment and the Church of Jesus Christ (Mormon). If you're not Mormon you won't get a lot of the allusions to religion. However, there are plenty of essays mostly on environment or how family, community, and spirituality are tied up with environment. Some of the essays are from critics of the Mormon church and some may be put off by these essays. Many of the essays are from Mormon authorities like Vaughn Featherstone or High Pinnock. Quite a few Utah politicians write about environment also. The essays are quite uneven. Some are deeply intellectual;others are emotional. A few times I finished and essay and wondered what I had just read. But usually I finished an essay with a greater appreciation of this beautiful world we live in. If I had to give a theme to this book it would be stewardship - that is, the idea that God gave us this beautiful world to care for and not to destroy and abuse. And as I watch the Utah I knew and loved turn into tract housing and fill with cars and people and smog, I think that many of us are not being wise stewards. One criticism would be not including any conservative viewpoints. Congressman Hansen or Bishop ought to be in here. And writers who live on the land like ranchers, miners and the like. They too have a land ethic and excluding them so completely leaves a large gap. In general, I commend the editors Terry Williams (Author of Refuge), William Smart (former Deseret News editor), and publisher Gibbs Smith.

Although the contributors to this book are all Mormons the plea they make is universal. Our ties to God's creations are real. We derive emotional and spiritual strength from them. The earth is given to us as a stewardship from God, to use, but also to protect and "replenish". The contributors cite personal examples to explain their interpretation of this "stewardship." I recommend this book!