S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Green Bible, published in 2008 by Harper Collins Publishers, is not a new translation. The publishers use the New Revised Standard Version as their text. The whole premise of this version is si...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the Green Bible?

The Green Bible is a specialised study edition of the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible that focuses on environmental stewardship and creation care. Published by Harper Bibles in October 2008, it highlights the ecological themes present throughout Scripture. 

Please note: The Green Bible goes beyond just advocating an agenda and actually teaches false doctrines. [Beware]

What makes it "Green"?

Over 1,000 environmentally themed verses printed in green. 

Essays and introductions by figures such as Desmond Tutu, N. T. Wright, Barbara Brown Taylor, Brian McLaren, and Pope John Paul II. 

Study tools including a “Green Trail Guide” and topical index to help readers explore themes of creation care. 

Eco‑friendly materials like recycled paper and soy-based ink. 

Purpose

The Green Bible was created to encourage Christians to recognise environmental stewardship as a biblical responsibility—emphasising that caring for creation is part of living out faith. 

Reception Across Christian Communities

Evangelical Communities

Many evangelicals welcomed it as a reminder that caring for creation is part of discipleship. Others were cautious, arguing that highlighting verses in green could imply an agenda or elevate environmental themes above other doctrines.

Mainline Protestant Churches

These groups generally responded positively. They often saw it as a useful tool for teaching stewardship, social responsibility, and the interconnectedness of faith and ecology.

Catholic Readers

Catholic reception was shaped by long‑standing teachings on caring for creation. The Green Bible aligned well with themes later emphasised in Laudato Si', so many Catholics viewed it as supportive rather than controversial.

Orthodox Christians

Interest was present but more subdued. Orthodox theology already contains strong ecological themes, so the Green Bible was seen as compatible but not essential.

Conservative or Fundamentalist Groups

Some rejected it outright, believing it reflected environmental activism rather than a neutral presentation of Scripture. 

Concerns included selective emphasis and perceived political undertones.

Christian Environmental Movements

These groups embraced it enthusiastically. They used it as a practical resource for study groups, advocacy, and sermons focused on creation care.

Summary of the topic

Reception varied depending on how communities already viewed environmental stewardship. Those who saw creation care as integral to faith tended to welcome it; those wary of environmental politics tended to resist it.

Supporters say the Green Bible draws attention to biblical themes of creation and responsibility, helping readers see how often Scripture addresses the natural world. They see it as a tool that encourages thoughtful engagement with faith-rooted environmental care. Critics argue that highlighting selected verses can imply a particular agenda, narrow interpretation, and give disproportionate weight to one theme. Some believe it introduces modern concerns into the text in a way that shifts focus from core theological priorities.

As believers in Christ, we believe that God inspires the whole Bible. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and follow Jesus' words recorded in Matthew 28:19-20.

2 days ago • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report