For Alister McGrath, once a student of chemistry and molecular biology, science has long been a joy. It is a unique opportunity to make sense of the natural world in which we live and to explore and engage with the infinite mysteries of the universe. But he is concerned that humanity has abused the privilege of scientific advancement; the we have taken advantage of our ever-increasing knowledge and expertise to dominate and exploit our environment.
Science has dramatically improved our lives but somewhere along the way, argues McGrath, we have lost sight of the wonder of the natural world, growing blind to its beauty as we subjugate it to our needs and purposes. We must rediscover ways of seeing nature as more than a simple mechanism placed here for our convenience.
It is in religion that a resolution to our current ecological crisis may be found. McGrath believes the true values of religious faith protect and nurture the natural world, and argues vigorously against those people, such as Richard Dawkins, who claim religion is nature's enemy.
A reawakening of our sense of awe in the presence of God's creation is essential if we are to rescue the natural world from its present course of disaster.
