A Different Shade of Green: A Biblical Approach to Environmentalism and the Dominion Mandate

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Gordon Wilson

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We have been shockingly bad at using our Bibles and our brains when it comes to conservation and the environment. Unhinged environmentalism is not the answer, but neither are ignorance and apathy. It’s time for something different.

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Christian responsibility for the natural world goes back to the very beginning, when God commanded us to “fill the earth and subdue it.” This Dominion Mandate is an authoritative alternative to both environmental activists and to those who think “conservation” is a word progressives made up.

So what does “dominion” mean for us, living in a world of constant reports about impending global meltdown; of oils spills, pollution, and strip-mining; of extinction threats both real and imagined? A Different Shade of Green contains a compelling Christian approach to biodiversity conservation and other environmental issues, offering solutions and correcting errors while teaching us how to give thanks for and rule over all of creation. 

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What People Are Saying:

"Gordon Wilson leads us on an expedition through the tangles of environmentalism. Being lost in these woods can cause frustration and confusion. Gordon reminds us that with the proper compass, it is possible to discover the heart of God and distinguish the forest from the trees. By journey’s end, we are back on the trail and discovering the beauty and purposes of the Creator and the joy of stewarding His world. I look forward to letting my ecology students begin this quest for themselves." -Thomas D. Hennigan, Associate Professor of Ecology and Organism Biology at Truett McConnell University

"This book is another aspect of the life of Gordon Wilson, the part where he ponders big issues and communicates his conclusions in down-to-earth images.... I hope you enjoy his thoughts and conversation as much as I do." -N.D. Wilson, writer and director of The Riot and the Dance

"A Different Shade of Green contains a compelling Christian approach to biodiversity, life cycles, and the environment, offering solutions and correcting errors while teaching us how to give thanks for and responsibly rule over all of creation." -Answers in Genesis

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Look Inside the Book

Dr. Gordon Wilson is Senior Fellow of Natural History at New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho, and has also taught a wide array of biology courses at Liberty University. He received his Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University in 2003. Gordon is the author of the biology textbook The Riot and the Dance and is featured in the nature documentary of the same name. He is also a regular contributor to Answers Magazine. Gordon and his wife Meredith have four children and a growing number of grandchildren.

AUTHOR: Dr. Gordon Wilson

FOREWORD: N.D. Wilson

PAGE COUNT: 200

SIZE: 5.5x8.5"

ISBN-10: 1947644572

ISBN-13: 9781947644571

BINDING: Paperback

PUB. DATE: August 27, 2019

Customer Reviews

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Patricia D.

A Different Shade of Green: A Biblical Approach to Environmentalism and the Dominion Mandate

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Kaitlyn M.

Excellent points from a biblical worldview!

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David E.
Good Intro, Good Resources

Really good intro with a reliable author. Pairs nicely with Sandra L. Richter's "Stewards of Eden". Dr. Wilson gives a good overview with authors to follow up with. The chapters provide good starting off points for deeper study. Dr. Wilson gives a credible alternative to brash secular environmentalism. This is not a full throated biblical theology and it is not a scientific refutation, it is a book oriented for individuals curious about the dominion mandates expectations for conservation and would make a good book to give to your skeptical uncle.

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Customer

Wonderful primer on Biblical dominion and how it should lead Christians to love God's creation as they love Him.

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Tracy R.

I still haven't received it or the other 3 books I ordered and paid for.

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Sarah P.

A Different Shade of Green: A Biblical Approach to Environmentalism and the Dominion Mandate

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Grace O.
What I have been missing my whole life😊

My whole life I have been considering the balance between "environmentalism" and godly dominion and everywhere I turned seemed to find extremes. This book put into words what I have been longing to hear from a scientist who loves God. Wilson answered so many questions I have been asking from the time I was a little girl. Now my 8 year old who wants to be a zoologist is asking me some of those same questions and I at least feel like I have something to reference that is in line with God's Word and not just reacting against environmentalism.

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Christy
Really really glad I read this!

I have always questioned the stance of many Christians who believe that "dominion" means wantonly destroying the environment. But I knew the creation worship of the modern environmentalists isn't biblical, either. I was SO HAPPY to find someone who had a Bible-based plan to both care for the environment while avoiding the Creature-over-Creator worldview. We MUST be loving of the environment that God lovingly created and continues to lovingly nurture. Yes, God made an amazingly resilient environment, but one He loves and called "good". Let's love it too, as children of the Creator. LOVE all this author's work, both in print and on screen.

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Michael U.

A well balanced, biblical perspective

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Stephen R.
Good Challenge for Apathetic Christians

I read this book because my students are currently debating whether protecting the environment is an essential part of Christian virtue. Wilson's book effectively challenges the apathy among many Christians regarding the environment. He argues that we ought to value all species of plants and animals, regardless of perceived usefulness: "We might not think this or that creature is particularly useful, particularly pretty, particularly interesting (we might not know it even exists), but we do know it has absolute value simply because God made it and said it was good" (21).

Another reason for protecting the environment is to show love for our neighbors. Wilson uses the water cycle as one illustration: "Since water inevitably flows from 'us' to 'them' we must take care that our outgoing water is as good as our incoming water, or at least not harmful for man, animals, and plants by the time it us used" (69).

Wilson provides solid critiques of the secular approach to environmentalism. He points out that those who hold a Darwinistic view have no standard by which to value species that are threatened (103). Also, he argues that the solutions of wind power and solar power are not effective and may do more harm than good (156-58). He also notes that secular environmentalists promote their agenda through external political coercion instead of true Gospel transformation (169).

Lest we discard the good along with the bad, Wilson shows us that the problems with secular environmentalism do not negate our own responsibility as Christians to love and take care of God's creation. Wilson quotes Francis Schaeffer: "If I love the Lover, I love what the Lover has made" (171). The conclusion of Wilson's book provides helpful, practical ways to nourish a love for God's creation, like adopting hobbies that get us outdoors, volunteering on projects to restore damaged places and learning more about the creatures in our region.