Scientific assertions about our shared origins with other species and shared dependence on global ecosystems are often resisted and even dismissed on the grounds that humans are different from all other beings in both degree and kind. We presume we are intellectually and morally superior to all other creatures. We might even be accused of worshipping humanity.

Anne Primavesi looks at ways that the Christian inheritance has contributed to or limited respect for biodiversity and asks: How is our common perception of God at variance with Jesus own understanding of our Father’s kingdom? Would a better appreciation of the God of Jesus inspire us to cultivate unity through reverence for diversity? How do we respond to the fact that Jesus suffered a violent death but did not inflict violence on any living being?

“Primavesi’s inspiring book connects the wisdom of the past to present realities like biodiversity loss and climate change.” — Timothy B. Leduc, York University, Canada, author ofClimate, Culture, Change

“A hopeful, insightful, and affecting text. I highly recommend it.” — Kwok Pui-lan, Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts

“An honest and surpassingly beautiful vision of Christians embracing a more than-human world as their home.” — Paul Waldau, Canisius College, author of The Specter of Speciesism