Values and belief structures were derived when the world was relatively empty of humans and human impacts. That is no longer the situation as the planet is being filled up and, in some cases, overwhelmed by human impacts. Earth Church is a concept of earth-focused spirituality derived in part from existing faith concepts and in part from the realities that people face as they encounter a future that includes climate change, water supply shortages and loss of biological diversity.

Jim Blackburn is a practicing environmental lawyer with the firm of BlackburnCarter and Professor of the Practice in Environmental Law in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Rice University, where he serves as the Director of the Undergraduate Minor in Energy and Water Sustainability.