THE NATURE OF THINGS

In 2015 a conference on Rediscovering the Spiritual in Gods Creation was held at the Serafino winery complex in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia. The aim of the conference was not to seek consensus but to survey the landscape with a view to intentional responsible action in caring for Gods creation. Delegates were challenged to recognize their own worldviews and to widen their horizons to encompass the enormity of the transcendence and immanence of Gods presence in all creation. A group of leading international scholars and experts in the fields of science, ecology, theology, and ethics participated in a multidisciplinary conversation on the spiritual in creation, with the aim of discovering fresh horizons with regard to creation care, liturgy, justice, and discipleship within the Christian community. The chapters in this volume reflect the diversity of perspectives summarized in The Serafino Declaration, which was crafted towards the end of the conference. This declaration (which opens the volume) outlines a range of views relating to the presence of the spiritual in creation, views that are both traditional and radical. This volume highlights the current concern over ecological destruction and finds sources of inspiration in the deepest roots of our traditions and forms of spirituality to sustain efforts towards custodianship of the land and care for Gods creation. The theological doctrine of the presence of God within creation has traditionally been an oft-ignored theme throughout church history, for a variety of rationale. Perhaps, in some critical way, this has contributed to the churchs hostile posture toward the ecological crisis. But change is afoot. To aid in reversing this, The Nature of Things exercises a sensitive and attentive eye in retrieving this lost doctrinal dimension of the churchs worship. Kudos to Bruxton and Habel for directing such a needed and refreshingly diverse orchestra. --A. J. Swoboda, Pastor, Professor, George Fox Eva