Brings together world religion scholars and creative international economists to address the current eco-crisis.

One of the most significant topics of our time is the current eco-crisis of overpopulation, overconsumption (often called "affluenza"), and environmental degradation. In Visions of a New Earth, eight world religion scholars and two creative international economists address these linked problems by bringing religious perspective into conversation with economics. They conclude that religion and other cultural forces must be mobilized to force humankind toward an epochal birthing of bio-reverence. Traditions discussed include Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Chinese, Native American, and African religions.

Contributors include Nawal H. Ammar, Harold Coward, Rita M. Gross, Catherine Keller, Paul F. Knitter, David C. Korten, David R. Loy, Daniel C. Maguire, Alberto Múnera, S.J., Vasudha Narayanan, Jacob K. Olupona, Chün-fang Yü, and Laurie Zoloth.

Harold Coward is a scholar of international reputation with distinguished contributions to both the University of Victoria and University of Calgary throughout his extensive career. After retiring from the University of Victoria as director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society, he continues to be involved as a research fellow. He is currently a member of the Genome BC Board of Directors, where he serves as a specialist on ethics and biotechnology. In June 2002, Dr. Coward was also selected as one of the twenty-five power thinkers in British Columbia by BC Business Magazine.

Leslie S. Kawamura is an Assistant Professor, Department of Religious Studies, University of Calgary, Alberta. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, in Far Eastern Studies (1974). He has studied at the Kyoto University (Japan) and has taught at the Nyingma Institute (Berkeley), Institute of Buddhist Studies (Berkeley), and the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon). His publications include Mind in Buddhist Psychology (with H.V. Guenther, Dharma Press, 1975) and Golden Zephyr (Dharma Press, 1975). He was a founding member of the Honpa Buddhist Church of Alberta and the Canada-Mongolia Society.

Harold Coward's profile page

Daniel C. Maguire's profile page

"Each scholar addresses the issues directly and in a penetrating way. Thus, although they represent a wide range of backgrounds, there is a unity of approach. The quality of reflection and writing are notable; there are good insights in virtually every chapter, more than enough to stimulate fresh thinking. This book successfully makes the point that the voice of religion must be heard in these crucial discussions that will determine our planet's future." — Roland E. Miller, Luther Seminary

"This is a very important book that should be required reading for anyone involved in studying the global economy, comparative perspectives in government policies, and any course dealing with the relationship between economy, ecology, and ethics. The informed general public would also find it useful." — Robert M. Garvin, University at Albany, State University of New York