From the Publisher
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has been replaced by other "worthier pursuits".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.
From the Jacket
"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
About the Author
A nationally recognized expert in green development strategies,
Michael Abbaté is a founder of GreenWorks, an
award-winning landscape architecture design firm. He frequently
speaks to students and leaders about practical ways to minimize the
impact of building and landscape design on natural resources. His
works have been featured in national magazines, newspapers, and
trade publications. He and his wife, Vicki, have two adult
daughters and live near Portland, Oregon.
About the Book
"Gardening Eden" invites a new, spiritual perspective to practical environmentalism. Discover creation care as an act of worship and a call to deeper harmony with the Creator, fellow gardeners, and the living Earth.
