The Environmental Stewardship Interview

This work, published in 1947, is the first consistently premillennial and dispensational systematic theology ever written. It covers a wide range of theological topics, including bibliology, theology proper, angelology, anthropology, hamartiology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Chafer's work is notable for its completeness and accessibility, making it readable for both scholars and those not formally trained in theology. The eight volumes are highly regarded for their practical and devotional content, as well as their comprehensive treatment of systematic theology.

The Bet explores the lives and ideas of biologist Paul Ehrlich and economist Julian Simon, whose 1980 wager on metal prices symbolized a deeper debate over environmental scarcity and economic prosperity. The book delves into the historical context of environmental policy from the 1960s to the 1990s, highlighting the political polarization around environmental issues. It argues for a nuanced approach to environmental problems, emphasizing social values over economic or biological absolutes.

In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.

In this book, Milton and Rose Friedman argue that free-market principles are more effective than government intervention in achieving economic prosperity and personal freedom. They critique the explosion of laws, regulations, agencies, and spending in Washington, highlighting how these have eroded freedom and undermined affluence. The book provides examples of how free markets have succeeded in various historical contexts, such as Hong Kong and the United States before the Great Depression, and contrasts these with the failures of centralized planning in countries like India. The authors also propose remedies for various economic and social issues, including education, inflation, and consumer protection, advocating for a minimalist economic policy and greater personal freedom.

Published in 1968, 'The Population Bomb' by Paul and Anne Ehrlich predicts catastrophic consequences, including mass starvation and environmental ruin, due to unchecked population growth. The book argues that immediate action is necessary to control population growth to prevent these dire outcomes. Although many of the Ehrlichs' predictions did not come to pass, the book significantly raised awareness about population and environmental issues and influenced public policy in the 1960s and 1970s. The authors emphasize the need for conscious regulation of human numbers and highlight the strain that growing populations place on the natural world.

Published in 1971, 'Rules for Radicals' is a seminal work by Saul Alinsky that provides a set of principles and tactics for community organizers and activists. The book outlines 13 rules for radicals to use in their efforts to bring about social change, emphasizing the importance of understanding power dynamics, using ridicule, and maintaining constant pressure on the opposition. Alinsky's work has been influential across various political spectra and continues to be a significant resource for those involved in social and political activism.

In this essay, Colin Gillespie examines the significant scientific advancements of the 20th century and how they have transformed our lives. He also delves into what factors might be hindering further progress and presents a startling conclusion on how to overcome these obstacles. The book is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of science, society, and human potential.