In this new work, Steve Bouma-Prediger offers us a virtue ethics approach to environmental (or ecological) ethics written from a Christian perspective.

The opening chapter is devoted to a rehearsal of the arguments for such an approach together with a response to some of the criticisms. However, the bulk of the book focuses on describing four pairs of virtues, which he argues comprise such an ecological virtue ethic – namely wonder and humility, self-control and wisdom, justice and love, and courage and hope.

Each chapter follows a similar pattern. They begin with an introductory illustrative story. Then he explores each of the virtues in turn, looking at the relevant literature and examples of the virtue in practice. These explorations are supplemented by an examination of biblical insights into the virtues. All of this feeds into the real heart of each chapter: an ecological reading of the virtues. And he concludes by pointing to individuals who for him embody these ecological virtues.

A final chapter looks all too briefly at becoming a person of character. He does so by offering more examples of individuals and programmes putting these virtues into practice. My problem with the examples he cites here and throughout the book is that they daunt me rather than inspire me. For example, I am not the exceptional kind of person who has the freedom from responsibility that allowed John Muir to go walkabout.

And the practical advice he gives seems to be aimed primarily at middle class Americans who own some land. I may be middle class, but I am an urban flat-dweller. How does his advice translate to my situation? And, more importantly since they make up an increasing majority of the world’s population, how do the urban poor practise ecological virtue ethics? Unless you can answer that question – and translate it into practice – this virtue ethic will remain little more than greenwash for the middle-class liberal evangelical conscience.

In any case, I remain to be convinced that a virtue ethic is sufficient on its own. I ask myself, how are virtues – any virtues – cultivated? The classic Christian answer is via the practice of a rule of life. What I have not found in this book is a clear account of an ecological rule of life that would inform the development of the ecological virtues in our daily lives. And this is in spite of the fact that early on he clearly states that any adequate ethical system must embrace virtues, rules, and consequences.

Of more fundamental concern is the basis for the virtue ethics he proposes. Certainly, the way he presents the material gives the impression that the biblical insights he deploys are being used to baptize a set of virtues that he has arrived at on other grounds.

Finally, while the emphasis on real-life examples gives his approach a welcome concreteness, it also plays into the rampant Pelagianism of contemporary Western cultures (including church cultures). A truly Christian environmental ethics must surely begin with repentance for our wilful refusal to accept our vocation as stewards and priests of creation. From that starting point we might then be able to seek the grace of God and the aid of the Holy Spirit, without which we will be quite unable to dig ourselves out of the environmental catastrophe we have created for ourselves.

That all sounds rather negative, and I admit that I was disappointed by this book. I had hoped for so much more than it actually delivered. However, the central chapters of the book do offer a clear account of environmental virtues ethics that will be helpful to anyone who is concerned about caring for the global ecosystem.

(I was invited to review this book by the kind folk at Baker Academic.)

Although a dense read has its place, I felt as if I were reading a textbook. It would make a wonderful textbook, actually. Note to reader: this is a Christian-based approach to the subject of ecology.

There were so many valuable messages to take away from this book. What resonated most with me was the question, "What kind of person would do such a thing?" when we look at the destruction of the beautiful creatures and scenery around us. What kind of person would not only participate in the defilement and destruction of our planet, but even take enjoyment from it?

Conversely, we can ask "What kind of person would do such a thing?" when we see the good being done in the world by people who are willing to donate their time and money, and even dedicate their very lives, to preserving and protecting our planet. I hope to be better at being such a person.