New book examines our relationship with Earth, and it's potential end, through a religious lens

The damage being done to the environment by human beings is widespread and concerning.

So intense, that some scientists argue that no matter how much we change our actions - it's just too late.

Timothy Beal, a professor of religious studies at Case Western Reserve University has a new book out that meditates on the finite nature of our future, and the potential for a human-less Earth.

But the book isn't as depressing as it might sound.

"When Time Is Short: Finding Our Way in the Anthropocene" looks at how exactly we got to this tenuous relationship with the planet, and points to how Judeo-Christian teachings may have influenced how we have dealt with the Earth's environment.

Beal also examines a more harmonious way to co-exist with nature in what may be our end of days.

- Timothy Beal, Distinguished University Professor and Florence Harkness Professor of Religion , Case Western Reserve University

- Drew Maziasz, Producer, Ideastream Public Media