Refugia is a biological term describing hidden pockets of shelter where life endures in the midst of devastation, such as a fire or flood. In surprisingly little time these pockets of refugia expand and flourish, even when on the surface the situation appears hopeless.

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In her 2022 book Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth, Debra Reinstra expands this concept of biological refugia to human culture and faith, asking how can Christians become people of refugia in this time of planetary crisis? How can we find and nurture these refugia, not only in the biomes of the earth, but in our human cultural systems and in our spiritual lives? 

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Rienstra is a college English professor, not a scientist, so though she certainly writes of science and facts, she begins each chapter with a personal account of grief around the effects of the climate crisis in her immediate area. She describes with candor and humility her process of reeducation by examining the wisdom of theologians and philosophers, farmers and nature writers, scientists and activists, and especially people on the margins. A follower of Christ, and both a mother and an educator of young adults, Rienstra grapples honestly with her own fears and longings about the future.  She allows the reader to journey alongside her as she searches for a way forward day to day--a way to transform Christian spirituality and practice, become a healer on a damaged earth, and inspire others to do the same.

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Refugia Faith speaks to people securely within the faith as well as to those on the edge, providing a suitable entry for those who sense that this era of upheaval requires a transformed faith but who don't quite know where to begin.