Introduction

The Introduction sets the scene for the whole volume of essays by briefly summarising the rise of ecological hermeneutics as an important field of study in contemporary Biblical Studies and highlights the importance of exploring the connections – and disconnections – between the ancient world of the biblical authors and our modern environmental predicament. The Introduction includes consideration of terminology such as 'nature' and 'creation' and cautions against anachronistic application of modern concepts regarding the material world onto biblical texts. The Introduction then outlines the scope of the volume and the rationale behind the four sections into which it is divided, before ending with some critical reflections and scope for further study.