Reason to Hope
Modern science, ancient wisdom and the ecological crisis
Published on 27. June 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
208 pages
978-1-80432-383-0 (ISBN)
Description
Is hope just a feeling? Or something more powerful?
In a world grappling with climate change, rampant pollution and collapsing ecosystems, hope can seem like a luxury - a temporary mood easily extinguished. We try to stay positive, but the question remains of whether there is any fundamental reason to hope.
David Osborne takes us on a profound exploration that challenges superficial thinking. Merging insights from science and religion, counselling and campaigning, pastoral work and parenthood, he digs beneath the surface to examine:
* The nature of the world we are part of
* Why societies and individuals act the way they do
* The rich tapestry of spiritual experience and insight
* How ancient Hebrew and Christian scriptures can be interpreted into our own understanding of the world and society
* How their wisdom is relevant to the question of hope in the face of today's urgent problems
Hope is shown to be a substantial, energising force which can move us beyond fragile optimism. This book suggests how we can tap into the vital energy we need not just to cope but to work for change. It shows a way to move beyond despair to an empowering hope.
In a world grappling with climate change, rampant pollution and collapsing ecosystems, hope can seem like a luxury - a temporary mood easily extinguished. We try to stay positive, but the question remains of whether there is any fundamental reason to hope.
David Osborne takes us on a profound exploration that challenges superficial thinking. Merging insights from science and religion, counselling and campaigning, pastoral work and parenthood, he digs beneath the surface to examine:
* The nature of the world we are part of
* Why societies and individuals act the way they do
* The rich tapestry of spiritual experience and insight
* How ancient Hebrew and Christian scriptures can be interpreted into our own understanding of the world and society
* How their wisdom is relevant to the question of hope in the face of today's urgent problems
Hope is shown to be a substantial, energising force which can move us beyond fragile optimism. This book suggests how we can tap into the vital energy we need not just to cope but to work for change. It shows a way to move beyond despair to an empowering hope.
Reviews / Votes
A wonderful book! Many of us are struggling to maintain hope in these times, as our problems loom larger and our solutions seem shrunken. In Reason to Hope, David Osborne inspires readers to explore a hope that is deeper than mere optimism, so we can live positively - even in the presence of so much negativity. The book is beautifully written, and great for group study.Brian D. McLaren
Author of Life After Doom and Faith After Doubt
Facing an ecological crisis that he recognises as 'an enormous and multi-faceted problem', Osborne sets out to find if there is a reasonable basis for hope. From atoms to galaxies, from Genesis to Revelation, Osborne then takes us on an impressively researched and referenced romp through science and Christian theology in his search for the evidence. His search is articulate, scholarly in detail, while accessible to anyone on a similar journey.
Katharine M. Preston
Anthropologist, ecologist and theologian, New York State. Author of Field with a View.
How do we live our Hope in troubling times? What is the catalyst that transforms shared beliefs, values and norms into living Faith? Based on deep personal encounters with literature and life, David Osborne guides us on an empowering, enlightening, incarnational pilgrimage through the sacred landscapes of the natural sciences, social sciences, praise scripture and wisdom traditions to root our hope in a deeper understanding of the meaning, energy and being of God's incarnate love for the Whole of Creation. Whether used as a study guide or as a daily meditation, Reason to Hope will be your anam cara (soul friend) as you find abundant joy in the Mystery of Living Hope.
Richard A. Nisbett
Anthropologist, ecologist, and environmental activist, Alabama
Weighty topics ... but written in a very accessible and winsome way, imbued with David's own deep and reflective faith.
Brett Nicholls
Accountant working with charities, Glasgow
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Glasgow
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 140 mm
Width: 216 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
304 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80432-383-0 (9781804323830)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
David Osborne is a Member of the Iona Community living in Somerset, England. He is the author of Love for the Future and The Owl and the Stereo, and has contributed to many Wild Goose anthologies.
Content
Contents
Introduction 7
Part 1: Opening the question
1. Optimism, hope and reason 12
Part 2: Analysis
2. One, weird and wonderful: The world we are part of 22
3. Trying to make sense of people: Ten perspectives 31
4. How we know: Information, knowledge and wisdom 42
5. A sense of something more: The phenomenon of
religious experience 51
6. Forms of ancient wisdom: Myths, poems, and parables 59
Part 3: Ancient wisdom
7. Creation: Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah 68
8. God and humanity: Genesis, Psalms, Amos, Micah 75
9. God's freedom: Exodus, Proverbs, Amos, Micah 84
10. Jesus and the reign of God: Matthew, Mark, Luke 92
11. What happened to Jesus: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts 100
Part 4: Theology
12. Talking about God: Problems and possibilities 110
13. Creation now: Cosmic art 117
14. A dynamic Trinity: Creative, expressive, active 124
15. God and us: Love and suffering 131
16. New creation: Life out of death 138
Part 5: Living
17. Wisdom and hope 150
18. Living hope 158
Sunrise: A poem 166
Suggestions for further reading 167
Thanks 176
Sources and acknowledgements 177
Notes 178
Introduction 7
Part 1: Opening the question
1. Optimism, hope and reason 12
Part 2: Analysis
2. One, weird and wonderful: The world we are part of 22
3. Trying to make sense of people: Ten perspectives 31
4. How we know: Information, knowledge and wisdom 42
5. A sense of something more: The phenomenon of
religious experience 51
6. Forms of ancient wisdom: Myths, poems, and parables 59
Part 3: Ancient wisdom
7. Creation: Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah 68
8. God and humanity: Genesis, Psalms, Amos, Micah 75
9. God's freedom: Exodus, Proverbs, Amos, Micah 84
10. Jesus and the reign of God: Matthew, Mark, Luke 92
11. What happened to Jesus: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts 100
Part 4: Theology
12. Talking about God: Problems and possibilities 110
13. Creation now: Cosmic art 117
14. A dynamic Trinity: Creative, expressive, active 124
15. God and us: Love and suffering 131
16. New creation: Life out of death 138
Part 5: Living
17. Wisdom and hope 150
18. Living hope 158
Sunrise: A poem 166
Suggestions for further reading 167
Thanks 176
Sources and acknowledgements 177
Notes 178