Because Water Is Life

Climate change. Pollution. Scarcity. Fracking. Privatization. Acidification. What can Catholicism’s “best kept secret”—the social doctrine of the church—teach us about Earth’s water crisis? 


In fact, it can teach us a lot. 


Gary Chamberlain’s Because Water Is Life: Catholic Social Teaching Confronts Earth’s Water Crisis explores the major issues we face when it comes to water by analyzing them through the lens of Catholic social teaching (CST). After introducing the principles of CST, Because Water Is Life tells narratives about real people and real scenarios to unpack six contemporary water crises. With review and discussion questions and recommendations for additional research and reading, Because Water Is Life not only encourages critical thinking on one of today’s most pressing issues, but catalyzes action and inspires hope for developing a new water ethic. 


Gary Chamberlain is a professor emeritus of Christian ethics in the theology and religious studies department at Seattle University.