Franciscan Writings: Hope Amid Ecological Sin and Climate Emergency

This book explains key Franciscan values and a hope-filled vision of peace, justice, andsustainability for all of creation. Dawn M. Nothwehr engages with a wide variety of topics such as: ecological sin, environmental destruction, a positive Franciscan soteriological path forward, practical tools necessary for conversion, planet-healing actions, and life-sustaining changes.

Part 1 includes two chapters on the Old and New Testament texts frequently utilized by St. Francis and St. Clare that uphold values essential for Franciscan ecotheology. Part 2 features a chapter on St. Francis and one on St. Clare, mapping the distinct major landmarks of their vernacular theologies on creation care. The two chapters of Part 3 first outline the formal Franciscan theology and spirituality of St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, before diving into the Christology and ethics of Blessed John Duns Scotus. In four chapters, Part 4 focuses on major ecological issues with an interdisciplinary approach considering current science, Franciscan theology, ethics, spirituality and praxis.

Designed for classroom use, each chapter includes a wide variety of pedagogical features: primary texts, reflection and application, questions for reflection and discussion, suggestions for action, a short prayer and suggestions for further study.

Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF, is the Erica & Harry John Family Professor of Catholic Theological Ethics at Catholic Theological Union, USA.