ABSTRACT
The questions posed by our theme – whether nature is good or evil, friendly or unfriendly – are among the most important that we could discuss, and they are also among the most complex and difficult imaginable. I do not claim to take the measure of what the theme requires, if it is to be discussed in a comprehensive and conclusive manner. Rather, I sketch four areas of reflection that must be considered if we are to respond adequately to our theme. I think of these as four colours on an artist’s palette, or four kinds of stone to be included in a mosaic. To present a full and coherent picture remains the task for future reflection, but that picture will of necessity include the four elements discussed here.
