Franciscan Writings: Hope Amid Ecological Sin and Climate Emergency

This book explains key Franciscan values and a hope filled vision of peace, justice, and sustainability, for all of creation. The Franciscan tradition is deeply compatible with the world's spiritual traditions, and respectful of all life-giving ways. 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 exposing Old and New Testament texts frequently utilized by St. Francis and St. Clare that uphold values essential for Franciscan ecotheology. Then in one chapter on St. Francis and another on St. Clare, the distinct major tenants from their vernacular theologies on creation care are outlined. The two chapters of Part II first expose the formal Franciscan theology and spirituality of St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio and then the Christology and ethics of Bl. John Duns Scotus. In four chapters, Part III treats LS's four ecological issues 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, suggestions for further study.