Guide for Leading a Book Study on Love in a Time of Climate Change: Honoring Creation, Establishing Justice
Recommended Reading
Sharon Delgado, Love in a Time of Climate Change: Honoring Creation, Establishing Justice, Revised Edition (2026, Fortress Press).
Overview
Sharon Delgado’s book, Love in a Time of Climate Change: Honoring Creation, Establishing Justice, challenges readers to develop a loving response to climate change, which disproportionately harms the poor, threatens future generations, and damages God’s creation. The book creatively adapts John Wesley’s theological method by using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to explore the themes of creation and justice in the context of the earth’s changing climate. Join us for an engaging exploration of this inspiring and informative book. For an introductory video, PDF chapter introductions, a complimentary Audiobook, and other bonus content go to www.sharondelgado.org/lovebonus. For discounted bulk copies, sample chapters of her other books, or to schedule a presentation, visit Sharon’s website or contact her at www.sharondelgado.org.
Notes to Facilitators
There are many ways to lead this book study. Remember that you do not have to be an expert. In fact, your role is not to dominate the discussion, but to make it possible for all participants to share their thoughts and feelings in an equitable way. This Facilitator’s Guide includes suggestions about the number of sessions, the number of pages for group members to read between sessions, and discussion topics.
Group members will appreciate it if you start and end on time. The optimal time for each discussion group is no more than 1 ½ hours in person or 1 ¼ hours for online sessions. You can decide how many sessions to have. Two examples are below, but feel free to meet however many times will work best for your group. It is good to have some time at the last session to decide whether your book group wants to meet monthly for discussion and action after the last session is complete. This could even lead to forming a church green team.
When the Book Study is Over
By the time this book study is over, the group may be ready to extend their meetings to discuss future studies and actions for climate justice, or even to form a Green Team. This could be an informal group or a working group that is part of the ministry of your church or a group of churches. Contact your pastor and other church leaders for support. Some of the suggestions at the end of the various chapters offer ideas that might draw group members and others to engage in various actions. The Annotated Resources List offers many ideas for study and action as well.
Reading and Discussion Schedule
Option 1: Eight Sessions
This option offers more time for sharing, especially during the first and last sessions. The final session should include time to discuss the question: Where do we go from here?
First Session: Preface and Introduction, (Chapter 1), pages xvii-12 (21 pages)
Second Session: Chapters 2-3, pages 15-44 (29 pages)
Third Session: Chapters 4-5, pages 47-77 (30 pages)
Fourth Session: Chapter 6-7, pages 79-114 (35 pages)
Fifth Session: Chapters 8-9, pages 117-150 (33 pages)
Sixth Session: Chapter 10, pages 151-177 (26 pages)
Seventh Session: Chapter 11, pages 179-208 (29 pages)
Eighth Session: Chapter 12, Conclusion, pages 209-218
Reading and Discussion Schedule
Option 2: Four Sessions
With this shorter series, it would be good to schedule a follow-up gathering to discuss the question “Where do we go from here?”
First Session: Preface and Introduction, (Chapters 1-3), pages xvii-44 (53 pages)
Second Session: Chapters 4-6, pages 47-101 (54 pages)
Third Session: Chapters 7-9, pages 103-150 (47 pages)
Fourth Session: Chapters 10-12 (Conclusion), pages 151-218 (67 pages)
Topics for Discussion
Chapter 1: Introduction
Have you noticed climate-related changes in your region? If so, what are they?
The premise of Love in a Time of Climate Change is that loving God in this time of climate change requires us to both honor creation and establish justice. What is the rationale for this premise?
What factors contribute to the lack of a “widespread and coordinated Christian response” to the climate crisis?
What elements of John Wesley’s teachings and example influence this book? What “word of hope” does the author offer?
Chapter 2: Climate Change: A Sign of the Times
Why is it important to ground our discussion about climate change in science?
Group members are invited to share their responses to the scientific consensus about climate change and forecasts about future impacts.
Discuss the “strong and vital movement for climate justice,” along with its rationale and goals. What are climate justice activists calling for and why?
Why is it important for churches to heed warnings about the increasing impacts that climate change will have on congregations, ministries, and missions of the church?
What is the significance of “intergenerational justice” in terms of the Church’s ministry to and with children and youth?
Chapter 3: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience—Tools for Discernment
Why is personal discernment important in matters of faith and life?
What is the “Wesleyan Quadrilateral?” What is the value of using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience as sources of authority in an interactive process of discernment as we explore climate change today? Discuss in detail if time allows.
Chapter 4: Scripture—Hearing Creation’s Groans
This chapter on scripture includes a brief survey of biblical texts referring to creation. What are some key themes? What is the “overall scope and tenor” of biblical passages about creation?
The author uses scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to explore Romans 18:18-26 and encourages readers to do the same. Group members may want to share insights they have gained through the process of exploring this passage.
How can we apply Romans 18:18-25 to our search for a faithful response to climate change?
Chapter 5: Tradition—The Wisdom of God in Creation
How have Christian approaches to creation as a backdrop and teachings about dominion contributed to the devaluing of creation and ecological destruction?
Discuss teachings present within Christian tradition that uphold the value of creation.
The author claims that John’s Wesley’s creation theology is “amazingly rich and varied,” especially as it relates to his teachings on grace (prevenient grace, justifying grace, and sanctifying grace). What are some unique characteristics of his theology of creation?
What is process theology and how is it consistent with Wesleyan thought?
Chapter 6: Reason: The New Creation Story
What are some of the reasons that the public is confused about the reality of climate change and the extent of the problem.
Discuss what has been called “The New Creation Story,” based on scientific discoveries about the origins and nature of the universe. Do you agree that this “story” of the universe confirms Indigenous worldviews about the radical interrelatedness of all parts of creation”?
Discuss the competing worldviews described by the author. How can we learn from and incorporate Indigenous wisdom about the inherent value and interrelatedness of all parts of creation into our approach to the climate crisis?
What is the “great irony” that the author refers to? (83-86) Discuss this statement: “Our scientific understandings and advanced technologies—combined with the dominant utilitarian worldview—present us with a profound choice, as made clear by the progressive threat of climate chaos.”
Discuss suggestions for action beyond individual lifestyle choices. Might the group take “strong collective action” that would help to “mitigate the worst effects of climate change and heal the earth’s regenerative systems.”
Chapter 7: Experience—Creation as Sacrament
Why is it that the scientific facts and rational arguments alone do not motivate people to face and respond to climate change? (91-93) How can religious faith and spiritual connection draw people together and inspire them to rise to the challenges posed by climate change?
How does the understanding of God as imminent and omnipresent lead to the concept of creation as sacrament?
If God is present in and through creation, and is revealed through creation, what are the implications of the despoiling of creation by human beings? How can faith help us cope with common human responses to such harm, such as moral confusion, guilt, and despair?
How can we engage people in climate action by incorporating spiritual experience?
Chapter 8: Scripture—Transforming the Jericho Road
The primary text for Chapter 8 is the parable of the Good Samaritan, framed by Jesus’s interaction with a lawyer about loving God and neighbor. The lawyer asks, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds with this parable that models compassion. How is the parable also a call to justice?
How have 21st century global realities made us rethink what it means to be a neighbor? How might social location prevent us from seeing how we participate in unjust systems that oppress or victimize?
The concept of being “ambushed by climate change” points to “powerful special interests” who are “determined to keep the fossil fuel party going for as long as possible, to keep the economy growing and the money flowing up to the top.” Discuss these special interests, our participation, the injustice of climate impacts, and the “moral blurring” that is part of the agony of our time.
What are some ways we can work for climate justice?
Chapter 9: Tradition: Social Holiness on a Warming Planet
“Working for climate justice takes us into the midst of controversy.” Why?
How do John Wesley’s role as a social reformer and teachings on social holiness support a view of personal and social transformation that is relevant in this time of climate crisis? What might social holiness look like today?
Liberation theologians have found a kindred spirit in Wesley because of his strong critique of wealth and privilege, his affirmation of human rights, and his solidarity with the poor and oppressed. Some contemporary liberation theologies link concern for human justice with concern for the earth. Share examples from the varied forms of liberation theology listed in the book.
How can we understand and practice living with “holy dissatisfaction” with the present state of affairs in a way that motivates us to positive action?
Chapter 10: Reason—Climate Justice and Common Sense
What are two kinds of climate change denial?
Why must justice for people and justice for the earth go together?
Discuss how the any or all of the following factors have hindered nations from enacting strong climate policies: 1) corporate influence on climate policy; 2) the bankruptcy of free market capitalism, 3) market fundamentalism.
Discuss the rationale behind the following two popular climate campaigns: 1) Fossil Fuel Divestment; 2) Carbon Fee and Dividend.
Why is it important to approach climate action as part of the movement for climate justice rather than simply as individuals? What actions can we take along these lines?
Chapter 11: Experience—On the Front Lines of Climate Change
Chapter 11 focuses on justice through the lens of experience, namely the experience of love for others that can serve as an antidote to denial and avoidance and can move us to compassionate action. Group members are invited to share how they are impacted by the stories (in the book or their own personal stories) of vulnerable people and communities suffering the ravages of climate-related disasters.
How do regional struggles and “blockadia” actions contribute to the overarching movement for climate justice?
Describe the link between intergenerational justice and justice for all creation.
What is the focus and scope of the movement for climate justice? What part can the church play?
What strong and courageous actions for climate justice might group members be willing to take, as individuals or as a group?
Chapter 12: Conclusion: Love of God and Neighbor—A Faithful Response to Climate Change
How does the author summarize the book’s primary point—that love of God and neighbor are essential to clarify, guide, and motivate faithful action in the context of climate change?
While emphasizing the need for individual discernment, she makes clear her perspective on several points. For example, she states that “in speaking about climate change, “this is no time to mince words.” Rather, “It is time for prophetic words and courageous actions that demonstrate the extremity of our situation and the need for deep and lasting cultural, political, economic, and spiritual transformation.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
What hope does the author point to at the conclusion of the book?
This is a good time to discuss “Where do we go from here?” Who would like to continue meeting? Would participants like to form a Green Team and invite others in? What actions might people be willing to take? How can they incorporate action into the faith and life of the church? What other resources are available?