Grounding Religion

How do religion and the natural world interact with one another? Grounding Religion introduces students to the growing field of religion and ecology, exploring a series of questions about how the religious world influences and is influenced by ecological systems. Grounding Religion examines the central concepts of ‘religion’ and ‘ecology’ using analysis, dialogical exchanges by established scholars in the field, and case studies. The first textbook to encourage critical thinking about the relationships between the environment and religious beliefs and practices, it also provides an expansive overview of the academic field of religion and ecology as it has emerged in the past forty years. The contributors introduce students to new ways of thinking about environmental degradation and the responses of religious people. Each chapter brings a new perspective on key concepts such as sustainability, animals, gender, economics, environmental justice, globalization and place. Discussion questions and contemporary case studies focusing on topics such as Muslim farmers in the US and Appalachian environmental struggles help students apply the perspective to current events, other media, and their own interests.

Now in its second edition, Grounding Religion explores relationships between the environment and religious beliefs and practices. Established scholars introduce students to the ways in which religion shapes human–earth relations, surveying a series of questions about how the religious world influences and is influenced by ecological systems. Case studies, discussion questions, and further reading enrich students’ experience. This second edition features updated content, including revisions of every chapter and new material on natural disasters, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, climate change, food, technology, and hope and despair. An excellent text for undergraduates and graduates alike, it offers an expansive overview of the academic field of religion and ecology as it has emerged in the past fifty years.

"Kenneth Overberg has written a gem of a book that is greatly needed both in introductory courses in theology and in parish renewal programs. In attempting to explore the complex relationship between human experience and organized religion, Overberg begins with an appreciation of the transcendent depths of human experience, with the realization that there is 'more there than meets the eye,' and moves skillfully on to the ways in which modern people can reflect and articulate their experience of depth. He then draws upon both Jewish and Christian roots, expressed through the experience of Moses and Jesus, to demonstrate how our experience can be clarified, challenged, and enlarged through encounter with these traditions without the tired apologetics. In addition, as he develops the communal nature of such traditional religions he does not shy away from their attendant problems and constant need for reform. Overberg writes with disarming clarity. He has taken the jargon of the theological vernacular and has put it into words we can both understand and use. Indeed, this is essential if we are ever to renew the churches from the roots up. Highly recommended for parish renewal programs, introductory courses in theology, and for private explorations. --Good News 17.1 (January 1990) "Roots and Branches is clear, concise, challenging toward reflection, with enough theological references to make it stimulating to the parish audience without being overbearing. In particular, what caught my attention was the chapter on 'Corrupting Trends.'" --Jane Myers, Director of Faith Formation "Father Overberg presents contemporary theology incisively and yet with a simplicity that can be understood by the average reader. His approach begins where people live, in the experience of love, loss, sorrow and joy: in the highs and lows of everyday events. He demonstrates that it is in such human experience that one can meet the 'Beyond within,' the mysterious God for whom so many of us search. This book will prove useful in adult religious education, in the many growing renewal movements, and in the RCIA." --Brennan Hill, author of Jesus the Christ and Exploring Catholic Theology: God, Jesus, Church, and Sacrament

Combines philosophical investigations concerning the truth of religious convictions with empirical research on the origins and functions of religious beliefs. This book focuses on two core questions: (1) How probable is it that any particular god exists? (2) How should we account for the occurrence of religious beliefs in human societies?

The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Religion contains newly commissioned chapters by 21 prominent experts who cover the field in a comprehensive but accessible manner. Each chapter is expository, critical, and representative of a distinctive viewpoint.