Mission Book Study—2/1/07 and 2/8/07 Earth Our Home: Biblical Witness in the Hebrew Scriptures
---by Sarah Ann Sharkey, OP, Professor of Sacred Scripture at the Oblate School of Theology.

This book study, facilitated by Fr. Dave Caron, Center for Dominican Studies, drew a engaged group of Barry University community members who were interested in looking more deeply at what Scripture might have to say to the current, global ecological crisis.

The complexity of the problem was addressed with an eye toward social justice and eco-justice issues. The participants then reviewed Sr. Sarah Sharkey’s Earth Our Home to gain a solid grasp of the perspective presented in several Books and passages of the Old Testament. Genesis, Wisdom, Psalms, and the Prophetic tradition were discussed in light of what they say about Creation, the role of human beings as stewards of Earth and the prophetic role, seen in the tradition, of warning about ecological disasters, decrying misuse of wealth, and expressing hope for healing of Earth and her communities.

Participants in the book study affirmed Sharkey’s assertion that an informed re-reading of Scripture can cause one to be “’struck by how profoundly the ancients regarded the interrelatedness of all aspects of creation and appreciated creation’s intrinsic integrity.’” (Quote taken from Santuario Sister Farm website, Sor Juana Press, Book Titles, www.sisterfarm.org/books2.html , accessed 10/17/07.)