Wildlife

America is filled with a diverse array of wildlife that speaks to our nation’s heritage and identity as well as gives rise to a deep sense of wonder, beauty, and awe. Indeed, both St. Augustine and Martin Luther encourage us to read the “book of nature” to better understand the mystery and majesty of the Creator. Whether through an inspiring encounter with a herd of elk, contemplating the intricate organization of bees and ants, or simply the gift of watching an eagle soar high overhead these sacred encounters with our nation’s wildlife provide incredible opportunities to contemplate the delicate interconnectedness of life while also discerning how we can better live in tune with the natural rhythms God has created. 

“Some people, in order to discover God, read books. But there is a great book: the very appearance of created things. Look above you! Look below you! Read it. God, whom you want to discover, never wrote that book with ink. Instead, God set before your eyes the things that God had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?” St. Augustine 

 In the pages to follow, we explore the theology of wildlife and specifically dive into what the Bible has to say about animals and the protection of species. We also look at how this ties into modern policy issues. Additionally, you will find information about America’s wildlife crisis, a discussion on the causes of this crisis and potential solutions. Along these lines, there is also a page dedicated to the important work of protecting wildlife connectivity and corridors. Finally, you will also find focus pages on certain sensitive species like Gila Trout, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep and Greater Sage Grouse.