From the Back Cover

"God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good."
—Genesis 1:31

As an emergency room doctor, Matthew Sleeth saw a disturbing increase in asthma, autoimmune diseases, cancers, and other environmentally related health issues. Although he considered himself an environmentalist, he lacked the commitment to do anything about it. One slow night in the ER, Sleeth picked up a Gideon's Bible in the waiting room. Although raised in a Christian home, he had long ago abandoned his childhood beliefs. Reading the gospels that night, Sleeth became a Christian, and to his shock, he began to uncover in the Scriptures an enormous wealth of environmental answers that he had been seeking. As a result, his family took an account of their lifestyle, drastically reduced their reliance on electricity and fossil fuels, and began sharing their inspirational journey with others. Here, Sleeth invites you on his family's journey as they realize that one cannot be a Christian without recognizing the Bible's call to care for God's creation.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with instructions on how we can demonstrate our love for the Creator by caring for the earth. Sleeth leads us on a highly creative journey through Scripture, visiting some of the most important characters in the Bible and discovering what they can teach us about issues such as stewardship, caring for our neighbors, climate change, and pollution. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden teach us the importance of physical work in relation to discovering fulfillment and a sense of human purpose, the prophet Daniel calls us to question our dietary habits, and the story of Noah addresses key issues for life on earth: how do we relate to the Creator, to others in the human community, and to the rest of the natural world? With passion and faith, Sleeth provides a new green lens through which we can read the Bible to discover answers to our biggest questions about the environment and how to care for it.

Editorial Reviews

“From theology to lifestyle tips, Sleeth has created a masterpiece for the green revolution of God.” — Shane Claiborne, author of The Irresistible Revolution

“Matthew Sleeth bring[s] intelligence, passion, a biblically trained imagination, and mature Christian witness to the care of creation. The Gospel According to the Earth is a compelling personal invitation to join the company of followers of Jesus on this God-created and God-blessed earth.” — Eugene Peterson, Author of Living the Message

“Matthew Sleeth is a breath of fresh air. He retells the Bible’s stories in ways that will stimulate your imagination, soften your heart, and challenge you to think more deeply about caring for creation. Read this book and fall in love with our majestic Creator.” — Jonathan Merritt, author of Green Like God; spokesperson, Southern Baptist Environment and Climate Initiative

“The Gospel According to the Earth is not simply a 21st-century political agenda adopted by Christians. Sleeth brings to this work great clarity, accessibility, and a refreshing balance of reflection and practical advice.” — Shirley A. Mullen, President of Houghton College

“Sleeth’s keen insights into the sensitive subjects of food choice, the use of natural resources, and consumerism help us to see these potentially divisive issues with new eyes. He highlights the significant opportunities we have daily to reflect God’s will on earth.” — Christine Gutleben, Director, Faith Outreach, The Humane Society of the United States

“This book is welcome refreshment to those of us who are weary with hearing the same few, tired, Bible verses trotted out. Sleeth relies on the whole of Scripture to make a case about what it means to be created in God’s image.” — Rusty Pritchard, resource economist and President of Flourish: Creation Care for Churches and Families

The Gospel According to the Earth…is certain to have an impact in drawing more people of faith to the cause of humane concern. — The Huffington Post, blog by Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society

“Sleeth spends his days traveling and spreading the good news of green living . His book The Gospel According to the Earth explains how to embrace that good news for yourself.” — BeliefNet

“Dr. Sleeth… has spoken more than 900 times in churches, schools and to media outlets-more than any other evangelical-about the biblical mandate to care for the Earth. His latest book is The Gospel According to the Earth: Why the Good Book is a Green Book.” — Orlando Sentinel

“An eye-opening look into the many characters and passages in the Bible that espouse common themes of environmentalism.” — Mother Nature Network

“Sleeth has been one of the more effective evangelists for creation care in the evangelical movement.” — Christianity Today