World and Environment

Does the Bible have anything to say to the challenge of the environmental crisis? In a thorough and responsible investigation Odil Hannes Steck examines this survival question in the light of biblical thought. According to Dr Steck although the Bible reflects a pre-industrial pre-pollution world certain fundamental biblical facts that embrace theological truths for our time can be extracted. Dr Steck does this expertly demonstrating vividly the Old Testament worldview of man and nature closely linked in a divine order. He then discusses eight themes that relate this particular perspective to the basic environmental questions and problems of today. The remainder of the study reveals the New Testaments reinforcement of these concepts. Dr Steck resolutely dispels the cold indifferent view of man and nature held by much of the scientific community and upholds the biblical truth that Gods creative activity takes place in the natural world and environment as it has done from time immemorial and as it will continue to do until God brings his new world opened up in Christ to a full and ultimate consummation. The readers reward is a much greater appreciation of Gods work as Creator and Sustainer of the world. Odil Hannes Steck (1935-2001) was born in Munich on December 26 1935. After studying theology at Neuendettelsau Wuppertal and Heidelberg he received his PhD in New Testament Studies in 1965. He taught at the Universities of Hamburg Mainz and Zurich remaining in Zurich until his death on March 30 2001. He authored numerous books and articles including his dissertation Israel und das gewaltsame Geschick der Propheten.