An Ethics of Biodiversity: Christianity, Ecology, and the Variety of Life

Title Page, Copyright Page

An Ethics of Biodiversity This page intentionally left blank An Ethics of Biodiversity Christianity, Ecology, and the Variety of Life Kevin J. O’Brien Georgetown University Press washington, d.c. ’ 2010 by Georgetown University Press. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data O’Brien, Kevin J. An ethics of biodiversity : Christianity, ecology, and the variety of life / Kevin J. O’Brien. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-58901-645-3 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Human ecology—Religious aspects—Christianity. 2. Biodiversity. I. Title. BT695.5.O27 2010 261.8'8—dc22 2009026933 Cover image is from “Francis and the Wolf” by John August Swanson, used by permission. Los Angeles artist John August Swanson is known for his finely detailed, brilliantly colored paintings and original prints. His works are found in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, London’s Tate Gallery, the Vatican Museum’s Collection of Modern Religious Art, and the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris. www.JohnAugustSwanson.com. This book is printed on acid-free, 100% recycled paper that meets the requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence in Paper for Printed Library Materials. 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 First printing Printed in the United States of America d ...