This chapter introduces the reader to ‘blue theology’. It outlines the major tenets of blue theology in theory and praxis; first it discusses the underlying and related theoretical discourses of ecotheology, feminist theology and liberation theology that each contributes to the formulation of blue theology, then it reviews two spiritually connected communities that are living examples of blue theologies in action.

Blue theology is a theology of water conservation that teaches that all water, salt and fresh, is precious and sacred. Water is fundamental to humans, indeed to all life. Yet, in modern, urban societies, we no longer need to live near water nor worry about where we get our water. This has led to water illiteracy, undervaluing water, and widespread abuse of bodies of water.

Water is everywhere. Yet due to the excesses of the twentieth century and trends in population worldwide, water supplies are threatened around the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO 2003) reports that 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water and that this number will rise rapidly in coming decades. Additionally, 2.6 billion people lack clean water for drinking and sanitation, which leads to water-born diseases and widespread deaths.