Exploring how the climate crisis discloses the symbol deficit in the
Christian tradition, this book argues that Christianity is rich in
symbols that identify and address the failures of humans and the
obstacles that prevent humans from doing well, while positive symbols
that can engage people in constructive action seem underdeveloped.
Henriksen examines the potential of the Christian tradition to develop
symbols that can engage peoples in committed and sustained action to
prevent further crisis. To do so, he argues that we need symbols that
engage both intellectually and emotionally, and which enhance our
perception of belonging in relationships with other humans, be it both
in the present and in the future.
According to Henriksen, the deficit can only be obliterated if we can
develop symbols that have some root or resonance in the Christian
tradition, provide concrete and specified guidance of agency, engage
people both emotionally and intellectually, and finally open up to
visions for a moral agency that provide positive motivations for caring
about environmental conditions as a whole.