Description: By expanding the metaphor of light within the Christian and Quaker traditions to include light's role in our planet's ecosystems, this project develops an ecotheology of light. The authors connect the Inward Light to interdependence theologies and implications for Friends testimonies.
Brief description:
Cherice Bock, Ph.D. candidate, M.S. environmental studies, Antioch University New England (2019), M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary (2009), teaches, writes, and organizes at the intersection of religion and environment. She co-edited Quakers, Creation Care, & Sustainability (Friends Association for Higher Education, 2019).
Christy Randazzo, Ph.D. (2018), University of Birmingham. Affiliate Faculty at Montclair State University. They have published articles and chapters on Quaker theology, Liberal Quaker history, peacemaking, and ecotheology, including the recent work Liberal Quaker Reconciliation Theology: A Constructive Approach (Brill, 2019).
Review Quotes:
"The book is well-written and concise, and the authors have a firm grasp of both the science of light and the depiction of spiritual Light throughout Christian and Quaker history. They draw on a diverse array of sources to build their theological position and the resulting portrayal of Light has broad appeal." Sarah Werner in Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture vol. 18 (2024).
"The goal of Cherice Bock and Christy Randazzo's Quakers, Ecology, and the Light is to share tools from faith traditions to assist the community of life on earth to meet the climatic challenges of our times, ultimately aiming to shift understanding toward an interconnected community, collaborating to sustain life on earth. More immediately, it seeks to articulate a Quaker ecotheology in such a way that is simultaneously acceptable and challenging to the diverse Quaker traditions. Although this is no small task the authors rise to the challenge." Tim Gee in Quaker Religious Thought vol. 141 (2023)