Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart by Brian McLaren (Hodder & Stoughton, 2024).

In his latest book, Brian McLaren considers a range of issues that all pose significant threats to the future of existence as we know it – from increasing inequality and the rise of extremist politics to the climate and biodiversity crises. He does not hold back on outlining the scenarios that he sees as possible outcomes in the medium to long term and none of them are comfortable.

We have already passed some crucial tipping points. However, what he goes on to describe is by no means without hope – something to which he devotes a chapter and that he describes as being ‘complicated’. How do we maintain a commitment to action in the face of doom?

In a book that has repeated warnings about the need for self-care in the face of existential threats and eco-anxiety, there are reviews and discussion questions at the end of each chapter to encourage readers to meet together and discuss what they have read. Although McLaren writes as someone coming from a background of religious faith, this is not the central strand of this new book; he critiques religions along with governments and economic systems that have caused division and harm.

We are reminded that great civilisations have risen and fallen before, and while it may well be that ours is set to fall, there are still reasons to seek out learning from indigenous wisdom, to be continually reminded of the beauty of creation, to celebrate love wherever it is found and to live as well as we possibly can.

Highly recommended.

Nicky Bull is a former Operation Noah trustee.