Joining God in the Thin Places: Theologies Active in Natural Disaster - Hardcover

by Mary Schaller Blaufuss (Author)

Joining God in the Thin Places affirms that everyone is a theologian. Authentic theological reflection emerges in natural disasters as people experience disruption and margins. That theological reflection carries the authority of the well-being of people who begin as vulnerable or excluded by injustice. The mutual accountability of God and all creation shapes resilient communities. I have threaded my own experience in disaster events as a staff leader in the national United Church of Christ's disaster, refugee, and sustainable development ministries with public discourse emerging from these and other disasters. This book utilizes resources of Bible, theologies, quantum science, history, art, and liturgy. Disaster theology is creation theology. This book links climate change and natural disasters by rooting theologies active in natural disasters in who God is and what God does as creator, redeemer, and sustainer. Accelerated climate change makes disasters more frequent, intense, and extended in duration than ever before. It adds urgency to interacting well with creation that is complex and continuing for the sake of well-being and flourishing. Examples of local and global response and rebuilding demonstrate theologies of accompaniment, partnership, and solidarity seeking justice. Those seeking practical ways to get involved will find them here.