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This collection of essays is a fitting tribute to Denis Edwards, who was one of Australia’s leading theologians. In exploring the most challenging questions of our time, these essays canvas some of the great themes of Christian theology that were the focus of Edwards research. Denis Edwards was a theologian of dialogue: dialogue with our rich theological tradition, dialogue with science, dialogue with contemporary theologians. The contributors to this volume enter into a dialogue with substantial parts of the theological output of Denis Edwards. In the process, they capture something of his humanity, his love of creation, and his concern for our common home. The book demonstrates the commitment Denis Edwards had to a theology that is truly ecumenical and always learning from the insights of others. The editors and authors have done a great service in helping many others to deepen reflection on Denis Edwards’ contribution to our understanding of God and the natural world.
–Gerard Kelly,Professor of Theology, Catholic Institute of Sydney President, Australian Catholic Theological Association
God in the Natural World is a scholarly and inspiring anthology honoring the lif and writings in theology and science by Australian priest Denis Edwards. Beginning with a fascinating autobiography by Edwards and a moving ‘In Memoriam’ by Michael Trainor, the collection, edited by Ted Peters and Marie Turner, includes 19 chapters by a diverse, ecumenical group of authors. The focus of these writings is primarily on the various ways in which Edwards explored the concept of deep Incarnation’ first formulated by Niels Henrik Gregersen. In so doing, the collection wonderfully illuminates one of Edwards most cherished and richly explored subjects, eco-theology, and with it his commitment to ecological responsibility. I highly recommend this remarkable collection to both scholars and general readers in the intersection between theology, science, spirituality and the natural world.
–Robert John Russell, Ian G. Barbour, Professor of Theology and Science, the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, USA.
The impact of the scholarship of ecological theologian Denis Edwards is evident throughout this marvellous collection of essays by both seasoned colleagues and newer voices in the field. Edwards’ conviction that the trinitarian God is revealed uniquely in the Book of Nature, his passion for ecological spirituality and justice, and his deep love of other creatures and the natural world, are all reflected and extended in the chapters of this volume. What likely would have pleased Edwards most is the way in which his interlocutors, including his own former students, are continuing to explore the urgent questions that had been at the center of his own work. We are all in his debt – and theirs.
–Mary Catherine Hilkert, OP Professor of Theology University of Notre Dame USA President, Catholic Theological Society of America, 2005-2006
Ted Peters completed his Doctoral studies at the University of Chicago, teaches systematic theology and ethics at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, USA. He co edits the journal, Theology and Science, at the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences and worked with Denis Edwards for many years on a variety of projects.
Marie Turner completed her Theological and Doctoral studies at Flinders University. Until her retirement she taught Biblical Studies at Catholic Theological College of South Australia where she was a colleague of Denis Edwards. She also served with Denis for several years on the Australian Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue team. She is a Past President of the Australian Catholic Biblical Association
