In Defense of Nature: The Catholic Unity of Environmental, Economic, and Moral Ecology

Ecology calls to mind nature "out there" —trees, rivers, oceans, animals, birds, the air, distinct ecosystems. But as Benjamin Wiker argues, an obvious part of nature has been mysteriously left out of the environmental movement: our own nature—human nature, especially its essential moral aspects.

In Defense of Nature shows that while both nature and human nature are equally important, there is a significant obstacle threatening the acceptance of this expanded account of ecology. The Left understands the exquisite, delicate harmony of the natural order, and why environmental pollution is harmful. The Right understands the exquisite, delicate harmony of the human moral order, and why moral pollution is harmful. Each side will tell you how very little a deviation it takes to cause disaster to the natural or to the moral order. But each refuses to see the other's argument.

In Defense of Nature allows both the Left and the Right to see what the other sees so clearly, and how it all fits together, from toxic landfills and global warming, to internet addiction and human trafficking.

Benjamin Wiker received his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in Theological Ethics and is currently Professor of Political Science and Director of Human Life Studies at Franciscan University of Steubenville. His previous books include Worshipping the State, Politicizing the Bible (with Scott Hahn), The Catholic Church and Science, 10 Books Every Conservative Must Read, The Darwin Myth, 10 Books that Screwed Up the World, Answering the New Atheism (with Scott Hahn), A Meaningful World, Architects of the Culture of Death (with Don DeMarco), The Mystery of the Periodic Table, and Moral Darwinism. He is the husband of one wife, the father of seven children, and the grandfather of two children. He lives in Ohio, but dreams about the Smoky Mountains.