Thomas Sieger Derr offers a bold challenge to the rising biocentric ethical theory from the perspective of Christian humanism. He rightly identifies that the basic question facing environmental ethics is, ironically enough, the status of the human within the ecosystem and our role as valuers. Noted environmental ethicist James A. Nash contests Derr's account of the biocentric thought and also his construal of a Christian ecological ethics. Richard John Neuhaus focuses on claims about Christ as central for any distinctly Christian response to the environmental crisis. 'Thomas Derr's trenchant argument for humanistic stewardship rooted in biblical faith helps clear the fog obscuring much current ecological debate. The sharp dissent by James Nash, coupled with the theological nuance of Richard Neuhaus's remarks, provides renewed focus for examination of the fundamental values at stake in assessing humanity's proper relation to the rest of creation.' -William Johnson Everett, Andover Newton Theological Seminary.
