By Michael Abbate
Before the snake, the apple,
and the Ten Commandments,
God created a garden…
“Spiritual environmentalism” did not start out as an oxymoron – it was an invitation.
Yet today, many believe God’s first job description for humankind has been replaced by other “worthier pursuits”. Why has this simple instruction become so controversial? How does one sort through all the mixed messages? Is changing our lives to save the world really our responsibility – or even possible?
Gardening Eden invites you to consider a new, spiritual perspective to practical environmentalism. The question is not whether our souls find expression and inspiration in our incredible planet, but how best to preserve that fundamental connection.
Green living is no longer a fad – simple lifestyle solutions are now available to everyone. Discover creation care as an act of worship and a call to deeper harmony with our Creator, our fellow gardeners, and our living Earth. Gardening Eden is the primer in how this shift will transform not only our world, but your very soul.
“Firmly one of the most socially relevant topics today, environmentalism elicits a variety of intense reactions. Michael Abbate’s book lifts creation care above the typical debate and gets back to its appropriate starting point — on our knees, in awe of the Creator. His passion for God and affection for creation is evident throughout, while weaving together science, Scripture, and personal experiences, with probing and comfort-squashing questions. As he advocates for worship, he also provides numerous practical, and even easy, tips for caring for creation that has me thinking far beyond energy efficient light bulbs and my stellar compost pile.” –Tim Osborn, Lead Pastor, Mosaic Church, Portland, Oregon, www.mosaicportland.org
“For Christians wondering why we should care for God’s creation and how to get started, Mike Abbate’s book, Gardening Eden, is a great introduction, with answers from the Bible, terrific stories, and practical tips on how you can make a difference.”– Rev. Jim Ball, Ph.D., President and CEO, Evangelical Environmental Network
“This is a book Christians should read! Though our primary task is to carry out the Great Commission while on this earth, we must not neglect the place God created for us to live.” –Dr. Gene A. Getz, President, Center for Church Renewal, Host, Renewal Radio, Dallas, TX
“Evangelicals will be well informed and morally challenged to tend the garden without being throttled. And, progressives will be thrilled to hear the Christian call to care for the earth. Where was this two decades prior? I give my evangelical and progressive, two green thumbs up!” –Rev. Leroy Hedman, Georgetown Gospel Chapel, Seattle
“Michael Abbate’s book, Gardening Eden, offers a sound, compelling and practical approach to ‘Creation Care.’ As people seeking to become better ‘gardeners’ ourselves, we appreciated Michael’s style and approach and wholeheartedly recommend this book!” –-Mike & Danae Yankoski, authors of Under the Overpass
(Publisher’s description)
Available at Christian Book