In recent decades, the field of Ecotheology has gained ground and momentum as a means to understanding humans’ role in creation. This course fleshes out the basic foundation of Ecotheology through the exploration of Biblical texts, history theology, and modern thoughts on the role of humans in the created world.
Now more than ever, human’s role in creation is at the forefront of many conversations. As Christians, we ought to begin to view creation through the lens of the creator. This course presents students with an account of the Ecotheological movement and provides them with a basis for why some believe creation is worth protecting, preserving, and restoring.
The current environmental crisis calls for Christians to take action. In order to do this, they must first be knowledgeable in basic Ecotheological concepts. This course serves as an introduction to the growing field that serves as a means to understanding how Christians ought to care for God’s creation.
This course is rooted in scripture and the foundation is established through biblical texts. Additionally, students learn to read scripture through an ecological lens.
This course seeks to challenge the dominion narrative and advance the idea that we are each called on a mission to be stewards of creation, to participate with God in maintaining the created world.
This course ensures that all information presented is contextualized in order to weave a full perspective of the issues to grasp how all the elements presented, scripture, history, and theological concepts enhance a missional lifestyle.
Ecotheology is a topic that can easily be applied interculturally. Inclusivity is applied to all students and thus will consider location, cultures, and socio-economic status, as well as prior educational experience of all participants of the course.
Students are presented with a variety of material that encourage them to think critically about human’s role in God’s creation, and how we might lead a life that is both environmentally and missionally focused. Students are encouraged to determine ways in which they might either create new projects or to become involved with an existing Ecotheological mission in their homes and communities.
Students are encouraged throughout the course to determine how they might apply the ideas and concepts of Ecotheology to their homes and communities. There are specific lessons in the curriculum that focus on explaining “how to do Ecotheology”. Students participate in activities that provide an experience in practicing Ecotheology. They are then asked to analyze, reflect, and discuss the experience.
