Book Review: Tending to Eden

Thanks to Judson Press and Plant with Purpose, I had the opportunity to review Scott Sabin's new book, Tending to Eden. Sabin, the executive director of a Christian nonprofit evironmental organization, writes what has been billed a "practical and holistic resource for environmentally conscious congregations." With that in mind, my thoughts are reflected below.*

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Summary

It is clear from the beginning that Sabin has a lot of experience working in Christian environmental renewal. Many of his stories come from his experiences leading Plant with Purpose (formerly Floresta USA), an organization that works in Christian relief and development around the country. 

In his introduction, Sabin lays out five primarily relationships that he believes are the most important for Christians to keep in mind.

1. Relationship with God.

2. Relationship with Neighbors.

3. Relationship with Ourselves.

4. Relationship with Creation.

5. Relationship with the Creation and God.

These relationships lay the foundation for the entire book and Sabin's arguments within.

The years working hands on has given Sabin a healthy balance in his perspective. His organization works hard to reverse deforestation in third world countries, but they have also had to deal with cycles of consequences and have adjusted their methods to best reflect God and respect for Creation. Sabin seeks to knock down misperceptions about the work they do, saying, for example:

People often assume deforestation occurs because people don't know any better, but many poor frarmers have a profound understanding of how their land works. I have had Haitian and Dominican farmers give me detailed descriptions of how a watershed functions. But Haitina farmers also have a proverb that says, "Either this tree must die, or I must die in its place...The problem is not ignorance, but a lack of opportunity and options. (p. 15)

Sabin is critical of his own "Hezekiah attitude ("At least it won't happen in my lifetime")" as being "not only selfish [but] misplaced." (p. 83) He incorporates many directives and encouragements to taking postive action domestically and globally.

Dean's Thoughts

I like the easy with which Sabin presents his perspective. He includes a lot of background and forethought into his arguments and doesn't hesitate to include other voices when they lend to his narrative. Sabin is humble enough to admit the shortcomings that he and his organization have suffered, all while holding steady to his underlying Scriptural basis for the work that they and many others are doing.

Prior to reading the book, I was unaware of the depth of both the problem and the amount of work being done to dramatically change lives. Sabin's arguments are not new or revolutionary, but he tells them in a fresh, positive perspective. I would encourage you to read more about the organizatio and check out Scott Sabin's Tending to Eden when you get a chance. I think you'll find it enriching to your life and your own perspective on impacting Creation in a positive, Christ-reflecting way.

*I was not reimbursed for this review, nor did I receive a published copy of the book. I reviewed a pre-published galley copy to review that was shipped at the publishers expense.