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Practicing an ancient form of theological reflection on creation—the hexameron—this book attends to the entangled crises of global climate change, toxic pollution, biodiversity loss, social inequity, and ecological unravelling. Rigby takes each day of the Genesis 1 creation narrative as the launching point for critical theological engagement with earlier commentators like Basil of Caesarea, Augustine, Abelard, and Thomas Traherne, in the contemporary horizon of planetary imperilment and ecological injustice. Informed also by both Western science and indigenous knowledge, this book highlights faith-based initiatives from around the world that are contributing to the healing of human relations with our fellow creatures and shared earthly environs. By attending to planetary well-being and eco-justice, Rigby’s unique and striking approach to the hexameron captures both the industrial-era devastation of our common home and the precious hope for salvific healing in Shalom.
Kate Rigby is Alexander von Humboldt Professor of Environmental Humanities, University of Cologne, where she directs the research hub Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies in the Humanities (MESH). Her interdisciplinary research interests include environmental literary and cultural studies, environmental philosophy, and religion and ecology.
“Kate Rigby’s book, ‘Meditations on Creation in an Era of Extinction’ explores the evolution of humanity’s environmental impact on creation and the colonial lens and cultural biases destroying our world. The ecological crisis in Australia and around the globe is of critical concern to the First Nations people. We consider ourselves the original conservationists and our culture, law, ceremonies, and relationship with the Spirit Creator are founded on our connection and relationship with our Country. First Nations people have protested against mining, pastoral destruction, and farming erosion on our lands for centuries and our protest has fallen on deaf ears. The Western empire in its pursuit of power and wealth stole lands, committed genocide, raped, and committed all manner of atrocities and in so doing separated themselves from the Spirit Creator and creation. Land has lost its spiritual and relational value and has been replaced as an economic commodity. History clearly records the growth of empires and the destruction of land, waterways, and seas. Empire’s greed has disconnected them from the Spiritual life force of ‘Mother Earth’. I highly recommend this book as it highlights the First Nations people’s relationship to land, gives rise to their voices, and provides a soul-filling and life-giving perspective.”
– Professor Anne Pattel-Gray, Professor of Indigenous Studies and Head of the School of Indigenous Studies University of Divinity
