Reviews for Abel Emerging

“Abel Emerging, is a passionate, even lyrical, invitation for thoughtful people to re-frame the dominant narrative of the Christian story as a resource for engaging an increasingly challenging future. Sober in its analysis, modest in its hopefulness, but bold in its vision, the book is a provocative, yet realistic, call to new thought and new action on behalf of a beleaguered creation.”

 

           —Randy A. Nelson, Emeritus Professor of Contextual Education, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN

“Abel Emerging is an insightful synthesis of the secular and the sacred, masterfully blurring the line between the two, and making the case that this division is a human invention. Broad in his scope, Ron Rude draws from a wide range of sources to craft a compelling reexamination of the Christian story—offering the reader a challenging and yet ultimately hopeful new narrative for our emerging millennium.”

 

                                —Dianna Repp, Department of Social Sciences, Pima College, Tucson, AZ

“Riveting and insightful. I find myself going back to this book often, as my theology is reshaped, and as I consider how I want to live in this world. Ron’s inviting style challenges my soul.”

 

                                                     —Cathy Nordheim, M.A., Spiritual Director, Aslen Institute, Eagen, MN

“Looking through a biblical lens, Ron Rude offers new Christian arguments for sustaining not only humanity, but all creation in the 21st century.”

 

—The Reverend Paul W. Buckwalter, Episcopal Chaplain, University of Arizona

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Review by James L. Norlie (Lutheran Campus Pastor at Oregon State University in Corvallis)

There are many reasons to commend Abel Emerging: A Reconsideration of the Christian Story for a Sustainable World by Lutheran Campus Pastor Ron Rude (University of Arizona, Tucson). For those looking for a thoughtful re-framing of the difficult ­even daunting ecological challenges facing our planet, here’s a fresh approach to ponder. For those who desire a way that science and spirituality can meet and engage each other, this work proves the possibility of that endeavor. For ministers and educators who seek a provocative starting-point with which to facilitate conversation and motivate action among parishioners, campus ministry communities, book groups, and “green teams,” this volume might just be what you’re been looking for.

Using the familiar ­but sometimes forgotten­ narrative of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), the author analyzes the profound environmental issues we face today. He acknowledges it’s a metaphorical not exegetical­ template upon which he builds the thesis of his book. As such it serves as a memorable way for the reader to draw upon theology, biology, physics, anthropology, sociology, and other disciplines in a cohesive prophetic witness against a
dominating, exclusivist  pattern of human superiority over-and-against the rest of the world. With abundant examples, he shows the condition of our age and names ways the church has been inadequate to offer real transformation, hope or healing. In fact, he argues that the church is not just an impotent force but a significant contributor to the problems faced by the entire “Tree of Life.” He argues from the perspective of faith and science in favor of an interconnected, mutually dependent, resilient-yet-fragile creation that must urgently be restored to a sustainable, just, and balanced way of life.

”...[I]n the context of the multitude of profound [ecological] crises currently confronting our world, coupled with a sense that there is something inadequate, even amiss, about the Christian message...,” (page 4) the book insists that reframing and transformation is needed now more than ever if Christianity is to be an agent of healing or hope. This is the premise it explores from many perspectives.

I especially appreciated the author’s extensive use of footnotes throughout the book which are easy to read and relevant to the passages they reference. These notes assist the reader to understand background materials that support the book’s thesis. Discussion questions at the end of the book provide a quick, adaptable framework for serious conversation in small
groups and classrooms. An extensive bibliography helps the reader who’s motivated become conversant in a wide array of disciplines related to the book’s central aims. And section summaries make the book’s line of argument readily accessible.

If there is a lack in this book it is the absence of a thoroughgoing biblical exegesis of the Genesis texts from which the book’s conclusions emerge. The whole work would benefit from critical textual analysis of the Cain and Abel narrative along with the larger story of Adam and Eve. Yet this omission does not prevent the reader from gaining much, thinking deeply, pondering with the author, and drawing conclusions for much-needed action in behalf of nature that groans in travail (Romans 8).

Long ago Joseph Sittler challenged campus ministers to share with church and society its gifts of intellectual curiosity, theological depth and passion for justice. Here is one example of bringing this challenge to the public square for discussion, debate, and action.

Ron Rude is the 2010 recipient of the Joseph A. Sittler Award.