Wildlife and Wildlands: A Christian Perspective
—Hessel, After Nature's Revolt: Eco-justice and Theology, 1992

"Wildlife and Wildlands: A Christian Perspective," in After Nature's Revolt: Eco-justice and Theology, Dieter T. Hessel, ed., (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1992), pages 122-143. First published in Church and Society 80 (no. 4, March/April 1990):16-40. Online at: http://hdl.handle.net/10217/37199

The principal focus of Biblical faith is the culture established in the land. At the same time the Bible is full of constant reminders of the natural givens. Justice is to run down like waters, and the land flows with milk and honey. The fauna is included within the covenant. Life in artificial environments, without experiencing the divine creation is ungodly. Bringing a perspective of depth, Christian conviction wants sanctuaries not only for humans, but also for wildlife.

Reprinted in part as "Christians, Wildlife, Wildlands," in Earth Letter, January 2001, pp. 4-6. (Earth Ministry, 1305 NE 47th St., Seattle, WA 98105).