Nature and Creation

“In this detailed, well-written book, Richard H. Hiers explores the meaning of the creation, the sovereignty of God, humans’ place in the world and relations with other creatures and landscapes, and ethical guidelines for treatment of nature that emerge from biblical texts. Nature and Creation is important reading for biblical scholars, environmental ethicists, and people of faith interested in a careful, critical evaluation of what biblical texts have to say about human relations and obligations to the rest of nature.”


—Anna L. Peterson, professor of religion, University of Florida





“In Nature and Creation, Richard H. Hiers offers a thorough treatment of the Bible’s account of creation, other creatures, and their relation to both God and humanity. There are breakthrough readings here, including on the contested issue of human dominion over creation. Overall, Hiers shows that the Bible offers a treasure trove of resources for Christian ecological ethics. I highly commend this crucial work.”


—David P. Gushee, professor of Christian ethics, Mercer University





“In this book, the accomplished biblical scholar Richard H. Hiers expertly searches the entire Bible to prove the thesis that God’s creation gives a value and importance to all created terrestrial life and not just human life.”


—Charles E. Curran, professor of human values, Southern Methodist University





“Richard H. Hiers goes behind contemporary policy discussions about environmental ethics, offering both lay and professional students of the Bible a carefully catalogued and annotated compendium of passages revealing the unique triangle of relationships between God, the wider creation, and human beings. Exploring texts from diverse Christian canons in short, accessible sections, Hiers thoughtfully reflects on environmental issues from creation as a divine agent to the land sabbatical and humane treatment of animals.”


—Marie Fallinger, former editor, Journal of Law and Religion