Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth

Debra Rienstra

May 2022 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Ann Richardson

About this audiobook

Refugia (reh-FU-jee-ah) is a biological term describing places of shelter where life endures in times of crisis, such as a volcanic eruption, fire, or stressed climate. Ideally, these refugia endure, expand, and connect so that new life emerges. Debra Rienstra applies this concept to human culture and faith, asking, In this era of ecological devastation, how can Christians become people of refugia? How can we find and nurture these refugia in our human cultural systems and in our spiritual lives? Rienstra recounts her own process of reeducation-beginning by examining the wisdom of theologians and philosophers, farmers and nature writers, scientists and activists, and especially people on the margins. By weaving nature writing, personal narrative, and theological reflection, Rienstra grapples honestly with her own fears and points toward a way to transform Christian spirituality and practice, become a healer on a damaged earth, and inspire others. Refugia Faith speaks to people securely within the faith as well as to those on the edge, providing a suitable entry for those who sense that this era of upheaval requires a transformed faith but who don't quite know where to begin.

About the author

Debra Rienstra is professor of English at Calvin University and the author of three books as well as numerous academic essays, literary essays, and poems. She writes biweekly about spirituality, pop culture, the church, the arts, higher education, and more for the Reformed Journal blog called "The Twelve."

With a background of drama and music prevalent in her Midwestern upbringing, award-winning narrator Ann Richardson delights in narrating fiction. In her spare time, Ann volunteers as a narrator for Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic).