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by Mark S. Brocker (Author)
As a young Norwegian Lutheran teenager in rural Wisconsin, Brocker lay awake one night worrying whether he believed in Jesus enough to get to heaven. This getting-to-heaven anxiety reflected an excessive focus on individual salvation and a loss of concern for the well-being of the Earth community. A faith journey that leaves Earth behind is misguided. Ever since those early teen years Brocker has been on a journey to come home to Earth. Coming Home to Earth makes the case that there is no salvation apart from Earth and that Earth care is at the core of our identity and mission as followers of Jesus. The ecological consequences of a loss of concern for the well-being of Earth have been devastating. Brocker is especially concerned to determine what will motivate followers of Jesus to make radical changes in our way of life so that we can participate in the healing of wounded Earth and all of its inhabitants, both human and nonhuman. We are far more likely to make needed sacrifices for our fellow creatures if we share God's delight in and affection for them, and cherish Earth as our home.
Author Biography
Ordained in 1985, Mark Brocker has served since 2005 as Lead Pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton, Oregon. He chaired the Environmental Ministries Committee of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) from 2009 to 2012 and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the EMO board. He edited Conspiracy and Imprisonment: 1940-1945, volume 16 of Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works. He was an adjunct professor in theology and ethics for Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary from 1998 to 2014.
