The relationship between the theological and the sciences have grown increasingly distant and as such it is quite arguable that natural theology has necessarily been restricted to increasingly philosophical and theological discussion and debate around the presence (or lack) of revelation. Thankfully, this provocative volume of lectures from R. J Berry forms a welcome corrective and succeeds in connecting the theological and scientific studies of ‘the natural’ in a wholly impressive way.

Writing both as a noted ecologist, professing Christian and Emeritus Professor of genetics, an altogether ‘natural scientist,’ Berry seeks to put forward a re-examination of both faith and science each in the light of the other. Beginning with three opening lectures which provide the historical context and development of the sciences and the response to theologians Berry seeks to move the debate onto more constructive ground. The divide between science and religion is, to Berry, ‘not worth fighting over . . . because the positions of such a line (and for that matter its existence) depends upon definitions.’ (p. 14)

Rather, what is required is not a new dogmatic skirmish, but a framework for examining and coping with an ever changing world, which is, Berry argues, where science (in its broadest sense) meets life and where life meets God. From here, Berry puts forward his own comprehensive eco-theology that seeks to challenge the received incompatibility between Judeo-Christian belief and a desire to protect and engage with the natural world, he concludes that whilst the history of theology bespeaks an apathy towards the natural world, only Christian theology has the necessary resources to spark a new courageous engagement with environmental concern. Berry goes on to make the case that theologically minded environmental concern necessitates a global ethics, wherein care for the environment is a key component of justice to the poor and most vulnerable. Sustainability is position as central to not just economic opportunity, but to human flourishing as a whole. In his closing lectures,

Berry seeks to tie the argument together, drawing on the testimonies of scientists and explorers of the natural world in how the natural consistently points beyond itself towards God. In an era of modernity, we have become increasingly separated from our environment and lost the sense of awe that encourages the Christian to look beyond the material to the heavenly. The eco-theology that Berry expounds encourages a return to stewardship as the correct Christian response to our environment as well as an awe, which provokes us to not only worship, but also to action. As a result, Berry’s call to a humble, worshipful response to the glory and scale of creation is a challenge that should be widely taken up.