Beauty of the Lord:

Awakening the Senses

RICHARD CARTWRIGHT AUSTIN

Austin's second "environmental book" focuses on experience and its meaning for Christians. He develops an image of beauty which helps us integrate our experience of God with our self-understanding and our experience of nature. Beauty of the Lord features a dialogue with Jonathan Edwards to put us in touch with American Christian tradition and its effect on our faith.

Our attitudes toward nature are shaped by personal projections, social values, and religious experience. We are made whole through awakening our senses to natural beauty. This awakening gives meaning to our religious, cultural, and environmental relationships. We are part of nature and need to understand our place in the divine scheme, which in turn enables us to enjoy the fullness of life and nature. and protect our natural resources at the same time.