Christian Faith and Environmental Stewardship: Theological Foundations for Creation Care

This book covers the contribution of Christianity in the care stewardship and management of the environment. It uses ideas from the logical position of a Christian created in Gods image redeemed by God and given responsibility to subdue and keep the earth arguing that a Christian has the responsibility and mandate to care for the environment. It shows that successful stewardship happens when a Christian is aware of Gods intention for creation exerts effort to increase it and is expected to give an account to God for their actions toward it. The book presents environmental concerns in Kenya as an opportunity for change describing situations and why they could become opportunities for change. Seven worldviews are presented that discourage Christians who want to do environmental stewardship and Christian theological doctrines are discussed that could be used to cause ecclesial participation in environmental stewardship. Finally the book envisions a Conserving Church with specific activities the church can do to successfully influence people to do environmental stewardship. This book is a call for a new ecological consciousness and eco-sensitivity for human and cosmic flourishing. Daniel Lagat integrates African eco-spiritual worldviews and contemporary eco-theological voices in developing new approaches to Christian stewardship of the earth. He is a new and refreshing voice from Africa offering a new understanding of the ecological threats facing the world and Africas unique challenges in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. --Stan Ilo DePaul University The Bible is prone to misinterpretation. Some Christians think that Gods command to Adam and Eve to rule and have dominion over creation negates environmental stewardship. Lagat provides a theologically sound position to correct this misconception and affirm: God calls every person to relationships--with God with fellows humans with self and with all creation. This book is indispensable for Christians and non-Christians alike interested in the holistic purpose of our being. --Eunice Kamaara Professor of African Christian Ethics Daniel K. Lagat a lover of environment received his PhD from the department of philosophy religion and theology at Moi University where he researched extensively on the topic of religion and environment. He teaches partly at Moi University and partly at the University of Eldoret both in Uasin Gishu Kenya. He has published articles written book chapters and is the author of one other book entitled Cults in Kenya: An Examination of New Religious Movements in Kenya. Daniel is married to Zipporah and together they have three daughters: Kogei Chumbaa and Jerono.