James Lovelock's Gaia theory considers the Earth as a whole, with its evolution and the evolution of life upon it merging into a single process. From this dynamic system emerged conditions favorable for sustaining life in every organism and species, including our own. In this important book, Anne Primavesi develops the religious implications of this theory and presents for the first time a coherent theology rooted in "awe at the sacredness of the whole earth system." This is a remarkable and thought-provoking book, both challenging and clearly-written.

I find my theological orientation has shifted toward a God concerned with and for all living organisms throughout earth's history. The central theological task has become that of describing the paradoxical nature of this 'God' as perceived from within this larger frame: one who is infinitely close to, and infinitely far from each living being; one who is not to be confused with, or separated from our home environment, earth; one both visible and invisible in the sacredness of the whole of existent reality.--from the preface