Crying in the Wilderness of Mammon

PRESS KIT

Title

Praxis for Care of the Atmosphere in Times of Climate Change: Analysis, Quantitative Methods, and Ecclesial Development

Author

Rev. Douglas Olds, D.Min.
San Francisco Theological Seminary/Graduate School of Theology, University of Redlands
Doctor of Ministry Dissertation (May 2020)

Overview

Rev. Douglas Olds presents a praxis-driven response to climate change by means of decarbonization ecclesiology. Integrating science of anthropogenic cause and effect, policy analysis, Biblical Theology, and ecclesial formation, the purview and methods presented in this dissertation are designed to enable churches deliberate and move toward carbon-neutral operations and prophetic environmental witness.

By its interdisciplinary scope of theology, ethics, policy advocacy, and data-driven analysis, this project offers congregations an approach to embody atmospheric trusteeship and engage climate justice with credibility, commitment, and spiritual responsibility and rigor.

Core Features

Introduces a decarbonization ecclesiology to guide churches toward integrity and leadership in climate response.
Provides quantitative carbon audit tools and analysis for church communities.
Develops biblical-theological frameworks for ecological responsibility, emphasizing trusteeship, anti-idolatry, and virtue ethics.
Proposes a multi-level praxis model that moves from personal lifestyle changes to policy activism.
Offers original sermons, spiritual exercises, and congregational assessments to mobilize faith-based ecological engagement.

Audiences addressed

Theological schools and seminaries
Pastoral leaders and ecclesial institutions
Christian environmental organizations
Faith-based policy advocates
Interfaith climate action networks
Academic programs in ethics, sustainability, and religion

A Climate Call from the Pulpit: New Dissertation Charts Path for Church-Led Decarbonization

San Francisco, CA — In a groundbreaking work, theologian Douglas Olds issues a stirring challenge to religious institutions: lead the way in the fight against climate change. "Praxis for Care of the Atmosphere in Times of Climate Change" offers a compelling theological and operational roadmap for congregations to assess and reduce their carbon footprints—and preach a more accountable gospel in the era of ecological crisis.

Applying Reformed theological (virtue) ethics to the science of global heating, Olds introduces the concept of decarbonization ecclesiology, equipping churches to become both moral and material agents of planetary repair. His work provides carbon auditing tools, worship liturgies, and strategic frameworks that enable congregations to embody ecological trusteeship. With detailed policy proposals and spiritual exercises, the dissertation blends prophetic tradition with practical action.

This dissertation argues that churches have a unique role to lead social and environmental repair: not only preaching against injustice but actively reducing their participation in the global carbon economy. By embedding environmental trusteeship into the core of ecclesial life, the work envisions a spiritually rich, accountable, and scientifically informed response to climate disruption. This calsl for a earth-repairing kind of discipleship—one rooted in responsibility, sustainability, and hope.

Abstract

This dissertation proposes a framework for decarbonization ecclesiology, integrating Reformed theology, climate science, and ministerial praxis. It presents a fourfold program: (1) unpacking the theological rationale for churches’ ecological responsibility grounded in biblical and Reformed ethics; (2) the application of carbon auditing and abatement tools to reduce operational emissions within congregations; (3) the development of liturgical and instructional methods to spur climate awareness and deliberated moral agency; and (4) the embedding of these practices by mission to broader sociopolitical and historical contexts driving climate disruption.

The work is premised on the Biblically-addressed idea that churches must lead by example—reducing their own emissions in order to credibly advocate for climate action in society. It affirms that spiritual formation of environmental trusteeship includes atmospheric virtues: humility, recollection tying eschatology to experience, accountability to justice, and prophetic vision toward creation absent idolatry. Scientific evidence of anthropogenic climate change is paired with theological commitments to move beyond tired frames of "stewardship" to accountable trusteeship and justice, asserting that technological and policy responses alone are insufficient without institutional and ethical transformation. The result is a model for planetary repair that is operationally rigorous, pastoral, and prophetic.

Endorsements

"This work reframes ecclesial mission in light of ecological crisis, calling the Church to prophetic integrity rooted in scripture, science, and social transformation. A vital intervention in practical theology and climate ethics."

Dr. Herman E. Daly, Professor Emeritus at the School of Public Policy of the University of Maryland. A founder of Steady-State and Ecological Economics. His review of my doctoral dissertation:

I am very favorably impressed with Doug Olds' dissertation, both in terms of its amazing topical breadth and scholarly depth. And most importantly the question of creation care and Christian responsibility for the same could hardly be more relevant to a culture in which even the basic facts of climate change are widely denied…The energy auditing procedures and guidelines for conservation at the church and individual level seem to me very sound, and rooted in Olds' own experience. I benefitted from the three sermons and was glad to see that Olds is able to write simply and clearly for the public, as well as in a more academic fashion for a dissertation committee…The counseling and preaching advanced in this dissertation [sh]ould be of great benefit…I am grateful for the opportunity to have read this dissertation. I learned a lot from it.

Dr. Carol Robb, Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics at San Francisco Theological Seminary:

Your [dissertation] is very strong, integrating different.…unique literatures. And you’ve offered many thoughtful, expert, and varied resources for ministry.

Dr. Elizabeth Liebert, SNJM, Professor of Christian Spirituality, Graduate Theological Union, University of California:

I am impressed with the work you did and are doing on this topic. Do you have a book in your dissertation material? At least an article? Try Spiritus, the journal of the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality for an article.

Eileen Haflich, St. Andrew (Somona CA) Presbyterian Church Green Team:

Dr. Douglas Olds, a Presbyterian Minister [serving] in Point Reyes, CA. [H]is analysis and resultant report were used as the basis for most of our analysis. His methodology was rigorous and peer reviewed, so we had confidence in using it as a reference.

Notable Features

3 original sermons with congregational feedback
A robust carbon audit of First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo
Appendices including spiritual exercises for atmospheric awareness
Integration of Reformed theology, climate science, and political economy

Contact

Author: Rev. Douglas Olds
Email: douglasolds@outlook.com
Affiliation: Presbyterian Church (USA)

Availability

This dissertation is currently available as below, and in the archives of San Francisco Theological Seminary. An updated edition is available from the author upon request.

Available at:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FixjoYCQI1pt6MWCIkLGikHTyvFr9GD1/view?usp=sharing