While ecotheology is a popular field of study, pentecostal perspectives in the area are few. A.J. Swoboda’s edited volume, Blood Cries Out, is one of the first book-length pentecostal academic treatments of the topic. (Yong’s 2009 The Spirit Renews the Face of the Earth collects essays focused on the intersection between science and creation including but not limited to ecotheological concerns.)

The articles are organized in three sections: historical precedents, theological reflections, and contemporary practice. The historical section stretches to find historical pentecostal precedents for modern day ecotheology. The paucity of options is obvious here as two of the four articles focus on John McConnell Jr, the founder of earth day—sort of. We celebrate the United Nation’s earth day today.

The theological articles are where the real value lies in this volume—particularly Kärkkäinen’s “Greening of the Spirit: Toward a Pneumatological Theology of the Flourishing of Nature” and Robby Waddell’s “Green Apocalypse: Comparing Secular and Religious Eschatological Visions of Earth.”

“Christ died and was resurrected not merely for humans but for nature as well” writes Kärkkäinen (87). Christians should engage both other religious and the scientific world in constructing a credible theology of creation. Waddell argues for a green apocalypse, unlike the dispensational it’s-all-going-to-burn theology common in pentecostal circles. Always ready with a clever turn of phrase, Waddell writes:

John did not say that God is making all new things but making all things new. (148)

The final section on contemporary practice—in Africa, Urban settings, and Latin America—is interesting, but minimal. The world has changed dramatically in the 11 years since this volume went to press. It’s up to us to reflect theologically on the ecological crisis and develop praxis that meets the moment.

Swoboda, A.J., ed. Blood Cries Out: Pentecostals, Ecology, and the Groans of Creation. Pickwick, 2014. Pentecostals, Peacemaking, and Social Justice.