The author of Creator Spirit in the Evolving World marvels at the beauty of the earth as she calls readers to relate God’s presence in their daily engagements with nature. She beautifully describes the planet as seen in photographs taken from space with descriptions that awaken the audience’s curiosity to understand their home, the earth. Johnson (2007) states that the readers’ home planet appears like a bright blue marble beautifully curled around with white clouds. Among the collection of other terrestrial bodies such as the asteroids, the moon, the planets, the earth is the only one that supports life. Earth’s uniqueness, therefore, speaks to its importance and magnificence (Johnson, 2007). Consequently, human beings are obligated by the creator to appreciate and preserve the earth for sustainability for generations to come.
The author identifies the importance of all created animals and plants, whether big or small. Such significance is brought to light through ecological theology in proposing that the creative spirit lives in divine oneness with all living creatures in their suffering (Johnson, 2007). The author emphasizes the standing of human beings because the creator dwells in compassionate solidarity with every person who suffers. Johnson (2007) further asserts that the existence of creations is interdependent and raises the question of the importance of death in the ecosystem despite the pain and suffering that comes with it. In life, predation and death are unavoidable as that enables the transition from one generation to another.
The author also shows considerable interest in the concept of wasting and the ecological inequity that comes with it. Johnson (2007) shares an observation which states that the rate at which human activities are depleting the environmental balance is too high, compromising the quality of life for all the creatures. Additionally, he also contends that the effects of pollution and depletion of the earth’s natural resources usually affect marginalized communities and the poor people in the societies (Johnson, 2007). Birth deformity, respiratory problems, lack of clean water and fuel are all experienced by the poor since they have to continue living in the compromised regions due to their inability to move (Johnson, 2007). The focus on environmental degradation is essential as the current generation has seen the adverse effects of climate change.
References
Johnson, E. (2007). Quest for the living God: Mapping frontiers in the theology of God. Spirituality Practice. Web.