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The Healer’s Tree: A Bible-based resource on ecology, peace & justice

Reviewed by Terry Hinks.

This is a small and beautifully produced book of Bible readings, prayers, exercises in imagination, questions and reflections on the theme of our relationship to God, each other and the planet.  It draws from the Celtic tradition and contemporary Christian theology, with a deep concern for justice, peace and the environment. Aimed at Christians concerned for the world and spiritual seekers, it uses accessible language and is beautifully illustrated by line drawings by the author.

I warmed to many of the prayers and images. One, for example, speaks powerfully of our Western society as like a cuckoo sitting in the nest growing bigger and bigger at the other bird’s expense: “the obscene feeding machine of this cuckoo chick of the West.” It’s an image I will remember. There are plenty of challenging questions too, directed at our lifestyles, our sense of God and following of Christ.

While there are many striking prayers and helpful reflections, at times I felt Annie’s exercises became too fanciful, images too strange and some of her phrases slipped into hyperbole; as one example, she writes: “we need our love to grow wider and deeper until it wraps the whole of creation.” It would be a shame if the somewhat gushy tone of the occasional phrase like this prevented us hearing Annie’s real passion for God and God’s creation.