Ruth holds a PhD for research into simplicity and consumerism. She develops the theological thinking behind A Rocha UK’s work, and co-ordinates our small team of speakers. Ruth is married to Greg and they live in Chichester with their two daughters. You can follow Ruth’s blog at ruthvalerio.net.
In my happiness, I tweeted and posted up the picture at the top of this article, with a note saying thank you to Mother Earth for my birthday present. I was then slightly bemused when someone gently reprimanded me for what I said, asking if I wasn’t maybe overbalancing into paganism, and why didn’t I thank Father God instead?
Which is better, using a dishwasher or washing dishes by hand? I realize this is a rich-world dilemma, but as it comes up in discussion so often and raises some interesting issues, I thought it worth reflecting on.
Can you imagine being a disciple that Sunday? You had not seen for yourself but the word was out. Jesus had risen! Now his promises made more sense. It was not only the temple being rebuilt. He was going to come back and walk among us. Darkness from Friday dissipated as Sunday’s light got stronger. […]
Can you imagine being a disciple that Saturday? The visual and the visceral impact of yesterday continue to be overwhelming. You recall stories that alluded to resurrection but your hope is dwindling as the day goes on. Confidence in what He said and who He was is now replaced by confusion as faith confronts facts. […]
Can you imagine being a disciple that Friday? In spite of all the allusions to death you had not understood what Jesus meant. Now He was on a cross, suffering in anguish at the hands of those who prized politics and power. After years of fruitfulness, wisdom, and authoritative teaching you watch Him die and […]
I was distracted from the documentary by the reactions of my two friends. Jack revelled in the power and skill of the predators, their mastery of timing and feather control, the elegance and efficiency with which they hunted. Jill was horrified by their bloodlust. How could such callous cruelty be part of God’s good creation?
Beyond generosity in both business and personal culture, it would seem that there is one obvious thing that can be done which would give a double benefit. It is simply to resolve to create our wealth, and steward our savings, in ways that join up with our intentions of generosity.
Recently I was staying overnight in a rural cottage and decided to get up for an early walk. It was bitterly cold. The fields were nearly bare; however, the hedgerows and field margins were bursting with life. The richness of life at the margins got me thinking.
I hope to begin a discussion about how we talk about… for now let’s call it ‘caring for creation’. ‘Stewardship’ isn’t a biblical word, and although ‘creation care’ is now generally accepted, like all terms, it has its limitations. Could we start a debate about how we can best describe our task and be intentional about our language?
It was extraordinary to be in Paris during the COP negotiations. So, now the dust has settled, the marquees are dismantled, and the circus has left town, what are we to make of the COP21 Agreement, and where do we go from here?
