Dusty Earthlings: Living as Eco-Physical Beings in God's Eco-Physical World

The Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground . . . (Gen 2:7). Made of dust we humans are thoroughly physical beings. We are dusty earthlings. As such we are also ecological beings or rather eco-physical beings firmly embedded in and dependent upon Gods earthly ecosystems that support and provide for us and constitute our earthly home. Today we are living in ways that are damaging our home. As Christian dusty earthlings we are called to oversee Gods earthly creation and to follow Jesus Christ--God incarnated as a dusty earthling. How do we do this in the face of the array of ecological problems we face today? How can we obey the ecological principles and limits that govern all of life on Gods good earth? I suggest that the virtues of humility voluntary self-limitation and the principles of kenosis and justice will help as we seek to follow Jesus as dusty earthlings in todays world. Christianity implies two great truths about humans: we are unique within creation and we are embedded members of it. Human dignity has been grounded in the first; human survival may now hinge on embracing the second. Dusty Earthlings is a prophetic call for precisely such a paradigm shift in our self-understanding--one that is faithful to the Scriptures resonant with science and crucial to a viable future. --Glen G. Scorgie Professor of Theology Bethel Seminary Mustol has unfolded with a physicians insight the richness--and crucial import for our time--of the biblical teaching that we share our dusty creaturely status with the whole earth. At the same time he expounds brilliantly on what it means to be made in the image of God. I will not teach another class on earthkeeping without requiring or recommending this splendid book. It is thorough careful brilliantly researched readable and very wise. --Loren Wilkinson Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies Regent College John Mustol is a retired physician and PhD candidate at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at Bethel San Diego.