Many recent resources on the theme of creation in scripture seem to be inspired by the need to revisit scripture from an ecological or “creation care” perspective. Here are some examples.
“Rediscovering the Story Biblically: Beyond Anthropocentric Interpretations”, the third chapter of Nature Reborn by H. Paul Santmire (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000) would be a good preliminary study for any group tackling biblical texts on creation. Santmire’s essay in the on-line Journal of Lutheran Ethics, “Partnership with Nature According to the Scriptures: Beyond the Theology of Stewardship” is also noteworthy and helpful in studying the Genesis accounts and Job 38-41.
Jesus and the Earth by Bishop James Jones (London: SPCK, 2003) has many references to scripture, but unfortunately no scripture index. It does, though, include discussion questions at the end of each chapter, and guidelines from Jones’ Diocese of Liverpool for environmental responsibility in parishes. It will appeal to those who admire the style and message of British evangelicals.
Long before the “What would Jesus drive?” campaign American Evangelicals were expressing concern for the environment and attempting to connect it with the Gospel. One result was The Environment and the Christian: What Can We Learn from the New Testament? edited by Calvin B. Dewitt. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1991.) It includes essays by environmental scientists, biblical scholars, ethicists and theologians, and a useful scripture index.
The Earth Bible may be a bit edgy and untraditional for some, but you can read about it and decide. Volume 1, Readings from the Perspective of Earth (Norman C. Habel, editor. Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 2000.) is a sampler that includes perspectives on a variety of scripture texts. There are also volumes in the series on Genesis, wisdom literature, Psalms and prophets, and a related work focusing on liturgy. Additional reviews may be found on line.
Earth, Wind and Fire: biblical and theological perspectives on creation. (Carol J. Dempsey and Mary Margaret Pazdan, editors. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 2004) is a collection of essays by women biblical scholars offering fresh perspectives on many key texts. It is well indexed and with an extensive bibliography.
Preaching Creation throughout the Church Year by Episcopal priest Jennifer Phillips (Cambridge, MA: Cowley Publications, 2000), while geared toward helping preachers make connections between the lessons appointed and environmental themes, is a useful supplementary resource for those following the Episcopal lectionary for weekly bible study. Footnoted and with a scripture index, it is, unfortunately out-of-print.
If a bible study group is looking at issues of scripture and science, exploring alternatives to creationist readings of scripture as discussed in part II of the Catechism of Creation, they will want to take particular care with how they select resources for studying Genesis. There are many, many commentaries on the book of Genesis, some from creationist perspectives, and some from those who love both scripture and good science. In choosing among them, it is important to examine each critically before investing time and money. The identity of the publisher will often give clues to the bias of a commentary. A recent seminary graduate may also be helpful to study groups in evaluating and recommending resources.
If no one in a group studying Genesis has Hebrew, use several contemporary translations as a help in pursuing meaning. Robert Alter’s translation of Genesis, while not authorized for public reading in the Episcopal Church, is fresh and well-annotated. It is available in both separately (W.W. Norton and Co., 1997) and as part of Alter’s version of The Five Books of Moses (W.W. Norton and Co., 2004)
In Honest to Genesis Margaret Gray Towne (Baltimore: Publish America, 2003.)challenges creationism from the perspective of both biblical criticism and science. Her work will be most useful for those seeking alternatives to a literal approach to scripture and those with scanty knowledge of the evolutionary sciences. It is also helpful in countering arguments of young earth creationists from the perspective of faith.
The list of selected readings in the Catechism of Creation itself contains more ideas for reading which can enrich the exploration of theological themes encountered in scripture.
