Ten Commandments for the Environment: Pope Benedict XVI Speaks Out for Creation and Justice [Paperback]

Benedict XVI (Author), Woodeene Koenig-Bricker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2009

Seasoned author and journalist Woodeene Koenig-Bricker skillfully weaves together Pope Benedict's key statements on environmental justice into one volume. Additionally, she offers commentary that helps to unpack the Ten Commandments for the Environment, which were recently released by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Koenig-Bricker helps us understand an environmentally responsible lifestyle as a moral responsibility to protect the poor, who suffer most when climate change creates a shortage of resources. With practical, everyday ideas for reducing one's ecological footprint, this book is a must-read for those seeking the inspiration that the Holy Father radiates to a new generation of Catholics.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Despite a slightly misleading title, this compilation does a creditable job of summarizing contemporary Catholic thought on the timely topic of the environment. The book purports to be about what Benedict XVI, who has been dubbed the green pope for his interest in environmental issues, is saying, but it contains substantial commentary from others as well, including his predecessor, John Paul II. Benedict is keen on the environment and has had plenty to say about it since his election in 2004. Koenig-Bricker is careful to point out that Benedict adheres to Judeo-Christian teaching, holding that the earth was created by God and is not a god itself, and that it is neither equal to nor superior to humanity, but GodÖs gift to humans. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Ave Maria Press (June 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594712115
• ISBN-13: 978-1594712111
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #622,816 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A former publishing executive, John F. Thornton is a literary agent and co-editor of Tongues of Angels, Tongues of Men: A Book of Sermons. He lives in New York City. Susan B. Varenne holds an M.A. from the University of Chicago Divinity School and a Ph.D. from Columbia University. She is a New York City teacher and a freelance writer specializing in religion.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope for Earth from the Green Pope, June 11, 2009

By 

BookReader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ten Commandments for the Environment: Pope Benedict XVI Speaks Out for Creation and Justice (Paperback)

Woodeene Koenig-Bricker brings wit, humor, and passion to this book about saving the planet before it is too late. Using her journalistic expertise, she describes the cutting edge policies of Pope Benedict for making Earth's ecological health a priority issue of justice and personal concern. She explores practical, everyday ideas that will enable individuals to positively improve the environment. There are also interesting facts, like how solar panels are installed throughout St. Peters, and how the Vatican is the first nation to have a zero carbon footprint. Very thoroughly researched, this book is a lively and inspirational read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and Inspirational, July 4, 2009

By 

Roberta L. Christensen "Teacher-Librarian" (Harrisburg, Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ten Commandments for the Environment: Pope Benedict XVI Speaks Out for Creation and Justice (Paperback)

Woodeene Koenig-Bricker has woven together a superb blend of describing where the Catholic Church stands on taking care of the environment and explaining how Pope Benedict XVI is bringing these positive plans to fruition. As I read the book I was entranced with how she is able to take each idea and re-word it and then expand on how it has been implemented. Thank you Woodeene - I not only understand better how the Roman Catholic Church functions (I am not a Catholic), I am also impressed with how it is determined to improve this planet we live on and keep it habitable for future generations.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and interesting, July 5, 2009

By 

C. Murphy (Maine) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ten Commandments for the Environment: Pope Benedict XVI Speaks Out for Creation and Justice (Paperback)

I found this book a fascinating commentary on the environment, sustainability, and how we as a species are beholden to do our part to help ensure it's survival. It was an enjoyable read, learning about The Green Pope and substantial efforts being made to protect our planet. I came away with a renewed sense of duty to help protect this precious gift, this earth. The author has a talent for instilling an already-engaging topic with intelligence and wit, making this highly-readable and very enjoyable journey into saving our planet. This should be required reading, as it brings new and thoughtful layers to the reasoning of why we must all do our part.