Jesus the Wisdom of God: An Ecological Theology

Jesus the Wisdom of God brings together insights from wisdom literature and contemporary creation thought in a work that brilliantly illuminates an integrated ecological theology. Adding new depth to the ethical demands of our global ecological situation Denis Edwards argues that commitment to ecological praxis springs from the very center of Christian identity in Jesus Trinity and humanity. Beginning with the wisdom tradition of the Hebrew scriptures Jesus the Wisdom of God explores what it means to recover the notion that Sophia-Wisdom became incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth and shows how the universe is altered by this Incarnation. Wisdom Christology then opens out into a view of the trinitarian God at work in ongoing creation. Edwards considers the implications of the trinitarian theology of Richard of St. Victor and St. Bonaventure centering on the insight that every creature - including humankind - is the free self-expression of the trinitarian God. In this context humanity is revealed as integrally related to all of creation a part of a single cosmic story. While at one with creation in evolutionary history humanity is at the same time creation come to self-awareness. This train of insights leads to principles for an ecological praxis that affirms human value while insisting that humanity is a part of nature. The whole reinforces commitment to sustainability and a Franciscan attitude of reverence toward Gods creation. Jesus the Wisdom of God in a disciplined yet clear way crafts an alternative to the anthropocentrism and alienation of much of Christian tradition by finding in the very roots of Christian mysticism - and Christian identity - a truly ecological theology for our time. It is profound reading for students theologians and all Christians concerned with ecology and with the interface of science and theology. Bound to make an important contribution on a major issue... The plight of the earth is the most serious issue we face as human beings and theology has not yet made its proper impact on understanding and solving it. Edwards writes with clarity and a graceful style that makes difficult ideas accessible...in every way a fine work. Elizabeth Johnson Fordham University Brilliantly traces the figure of Wisdom through biblical and theological sources...Edwards uses the Wisdom motif to open doors to interreligious dialogue and to feminist insights into the mystery of God and mutuality of divine-human relationships. Kathleen OConnor Columbia Theological Seminary This book is a creative attempt to retrieve major Christian insights precisely in the context of contemporary scientific cosmology. It is exciting to see this sort of work being done with such insight and skill. Zachary Hayes OFM Catholic Theological Union Denis Edwards is a lecturer in Historical and Systematic Theology at Flinders University Adelaide Australia. He is also the author of Human Experience of God Called to be Church in Australia What Are They Saying About Salvation? Jesus and the Cosmos and Made from Stardust.