Writing for The River Journal, Gary Payton notes that The Green Bible is "a new imprint of the New Revised Standard Version. Old and New
Testament verses dealing with God’s creation (the earth, sea, and sky,
animals, and flowers, etc.) are accented in green ink. In addition to
this visual emphasis, the bible is accompanied by essays from authors
like St. Francis of Assisi, Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Desmond Tutu,
Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, and quotes from Rev. Billy Graham, Rev. Rick
Warren, even Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and more."
Gary reflects on an essay by Barbara Brown Taylor that explores the meaning of the word "dominion" in Genesis. Taylor suggests we are to understand dominion to mean “being in relationship to creation in the same way God is in relationship to creation," that we are to love as God loves. Gary says that such an understanding leads him to look at the world around him with greater kindness. However, when it comes to loving mosquitoes, "That’s tougher to handle, but I’m working on it!"
Gary Payton, former coordinator of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, serves as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s regional liaison for Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland.
The River Journal is published Clark Fork ID. Hard copies are distributed through racks and countertops in two states, four counties, and over 16 communities.