Ecology calls to mind nature “out there”—trees, rivers, oceans, animals, birds, the air, distinct ecosystems. But as Benjamin Wiker argues, an obvious part of nature has been mysteriously left out of the environmental movement: our own nature—human nature, especially its essential moral aspects.
In Defense of Nature shows that while both nature and human nature are equally important, there is a significant obstacle threatening the acceptance of this expanded account of ecology. The Left understands the exquisite, delicate harmony of the natural order, and why environmental pollution is harmful. The Right understands the exquisite, delicate harmony of the human moral order, and why moral pollution is harmful. Each side will tell you how very little a deviation it takes to cause disaster to the natural or to the moral order. But each refuses to see the other’s argument.
In Defense of Nature allows both the Left and the Right to see what the other sees so clearly, and how it all fits together, from toxic landfills and global warming, to internet addiction and human trafficking.
Benjamin Wiker is a writer, teacher, lecturer, husband, and father of seven children. He has a Ph.D. in Theological Ethics from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in Religion from Vanderbilt University, and a B.A. in Political Philosophy from Furman University. He has taught at Marquette University, St. Mary’s University (MN), and Thomas Aquinas College. He is now a Professor of Political Science and Director of Human Life Studies at Franciscan University, and a Senior Fellow of Franciscan’s Veritas Center.
Reviews
After seeing Dr. Wiker being interviewed on "Franciscan University Presents" (EWTN), I got his book from my state's inter-library loan system; it wasn't available at my local library. Dr. Wiker's voice comes through both in his humor and in his seriousness and concern about the state of nature and human nature. The book is very well researched and will extend the reader's understanding of God's great creation as well as human's place in needing to care for our "common home." Though it does refer to Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si," Wiker goes into much more depth related to and beyond it. He wants to show how the "Left" and the "Right" have only a half truth in their positions on the environment and human nature. Wiker presents a view that will help the reader see the "other's side" better and to understand greater truth. I was so enlightened by this book, I requested that my local library purchase it. Happily the librarian in charge of this said "yes!"
