by Willie Slavin

In recent years I have become increasingly aware of the demand by theologians for a new anthropology.  What has sufficed for centuries, based on a particular reading of Genesis, is proving inadequate in the age of the ecological crisis, the global pandemic and advances in science. A pervading ‘egotistic anthropocentric’ understanding of existence has cut us off from the rhythms and cycles of nature.

Dermot Lane has risen to the challenge of seeking answers to the questions raised by a theological re-evaluation. To ask if  God present in nature sounds rhetorical to the average Catholic who is familiar with phrases like: ‘You are indeed holy O Lord and all creation rightly gives you praise’.”

However, academic theologians, who form part of Dermot Lane’s conversation, offer a forensic examination of the evidence which liberates liturgical texts, revealing a renewed understanding at the confluence of life and worship. The inadequacy of the present translations of liturgical texts is only one of many issues addressed in this slim but densely packed volume.

Willie Slavin

This is an edited version of a review which was first published by Networking Catholic Education Today and reproduced with permission.