'My ordering of an organic box even led a church colleague to suggest there might be demon's in my fridge!'

Charlotte Haines-Lyon reviews some of the latest books about saving the world

Click on the title of the book to buy a copy from amazon.co.uk and part of the sale will go to Christian Aid

Twenty years ago saving the world meant, to many Christians, converting it.

For some it might have meant fighting poverty but environmentalism was definitely “new age” and dodgy.My ordering of an organic box even led a church colleague to suggest there might be demon's in my fridge!

Churches are at last waking up alongside the rest of the world. Global and environmental justice is no longer opposing or marginal issues as this Spring’s slew of books from the Christian press prove.

Poverty and climate change are accepted to be inextricably interlinked. Saving the planet is utterly mainstream.

Jim Wallis, of whom it must be said has always been a justice stalwart, has written the fabulous Seven Ways to Change the World.

Rarity

He is a rarity who offends few and inspires many, and his latest offering is no exception. The follow-on to God’s Politics surveys the state of the world providing evidence and hope that things are on the move.

With his calm, modest tone Wallis is artful in hooking us in and challenging us to fight for change. In tackling areas including poverty, racism, stewardship, violence and personal integrity; the private, spiritual, communal and political are inseparable.

For example when writing about stewardship he says “Energy transformation is the key – for personal renewal, social change and political redemption.”

He unashamedly takes on the US government over Iraq, torture, abusing the earth and their record on poverty. He is an overtly political animal but not partisan.

He often brings together liberals and arch conservatives by pointing out they need each other to work for good. For instance, he points out that homosexual marriage is not a threat to family life but divorce is. Moreover poverty often threatens family stability.

There are simple but profound anecdotes that make the seemingly impossible achievable. Incredibly inclusive in both life and writing, all people and issues are welcome at this evangelical’s table as long as change is on the agenda.

Planet

Weary of treading the well worn steps of fighting climate change? Then try learning about and Living with the Planet. Catherine Von Ruhland has collated a beautiful view of the globe and how we are affecting each continent.

She succeeds where others often fail – she does not depress.

The obvious issues covered – e.g. logging in the Amazon but there are plenty of insets detailing lesser known stories.

The hardiness of Colombian Harlequin Frogs in a threatening environment sits alongside the work of Antarctica activist James Barnes.

Yes there is plenty to panic about, but she looks at what is working and suggests fascinating actions. Whilst there are some of the ubiquitous appeals for living more ethically, she advocates understanding our world more.

The provision of plenty of resources including websites and societies supporting specific regions and species sets the book apart.

Creation

For those that need to be convinced of the Christian case for Cherishing the Earth, the Hodsons provide a solid argument.

Explaining the problem in decent depth, (Margot is a theologian, Martin a scientist), they also review the church’s relation with creation through the ages.

They provide strong biblical referencing for each subject as well as tapping into Christian initiatives around the globe.

My only quibble is with their suggestions for change. Too often their answer is simplistic- oil prices will soon impede unsustainable behaviour.

This seems to lack the personal and political responsibility needed to lessen our addiction to oil.

Glimpses

I think it’s clear that an obvious answer to poverty and climate chaos is to Live Simply. CAFOD’s book contains stories and glimpses of hope in a pained world as it focuses on Pope Paul VI’s LiveSimply challenge.

“Living “simply, sustainably and in solidarity” is at the core and Shilson Thomas has collated plenty of help for the journey.

There are suggestions for creating appropriate liturgies, plenty of articles, prayers, poems and quotes to further sustain us. Rowan Williams reflection on living a full life is living a simple life is worth the price on its own.

Amazon links

Click on the title of the book to buy a copy from amazon.co.uk and part of the sale will go to Christian Aid

Seven Ways to Change the World
Jim Wallis, Lion Publishing, £8.99

Living With the Planet; Making a Difference in a Time of Climate Change
Catherine Von Ruhland, Lion Publishing, £10.99

Cherishing the Earth: How to Care for God's Creation
Martin J. Hodson and Margot R. Hodson, Monarch Books, £8.99

LiveSimply
Edited by Annabel Shilson-Thomas, Canterbury Press and CAFOD, £9.99

• Other resources from Christian Aid