SPEAK WITH THE EARTH AND IT WILL TEACH YOU

by Daniel Cooperrider

MINI REVIEW

I’m recommending a niche book that had a huge impact on me.  It won’t appeal to everyone.  But if you have an interest in the subject, please read it.

Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You: A Field Guide to the Bible by Daniel Cooperrider is a tremendously impactful book I read this month. As some L&L readers may know, I’ve been a member of a Bible study group for over twenty years.  In that time, we’ve explored: books that didn’t make it into the Bible; women of the Bible; the psalms; and many other topics.  But Cooperrider’s book is the first time I’d looked at the Bible from the perspective of the environment.  The author writes beautifully, even poetically.  He divides the book into four sections: rivers, mountains, trees and clouds.  Within each part, he makes a convincing case that humans are but one of many of God’s creations.  In a clear, but never heavy-handed style, he advocates taking time to notice these creations and improve our relationship with them.  Speak With the Earth is a truly original and beautiful book.  (Liz)