| Unit name | God, Humanity & the Earth: Environmental Theology for a Time of Crisis (Trinity and Baptist Colleges) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30072 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Professor. Liveley |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
College unit code: D31004
The unit’s central focus is the development of a theology of earth-keeping. On this basis it will engage critically with contemporary issues. Field trips will facilitate a better understanding of (e.g.) conservation strategies and the competing human needs for renewable energy and wilderness.
The unit aims to:
1. enable students to explore holistically the ecological implications of belief in God as creator and sustainer of the universe, and in Christ as the one ‘through whom and for whom all things were made’;
2. equip students to read biblical texts responsibly as a resource for theological and ethical reflection on the current ecological crisis;
3. facilitate a deeper understanding of humanity as the imago Dei and the implications of this for models of stewardship;
4. foster a passion for practising and encouraging sustainable ways of living which uphold the integrity and beauty of creation as pointers to the glory of God.
On completion of the unit students should:
1. be able to understand and articulate the various components of the current ecological crisis, and the importance and urgency of the church’s engagement;
2. be more aware of the vast and complex humanitarian challenge presented by climate change and environmental degradation;
3. appreciate the intrinsic value of the non-human creation within a theocentric world-view;
4. recognise and challenge prevailing dualisms (such as humanity and nature; spirit and matter);
5. be equipped to offer a hermeneutical critique of eschatological discourse which emphasizes individual salvation to the neglect of cosmic redemption as the ultimate missio Dei.
Nine one-hour lectures and one one-hour seminar over a five-day period
Summative assessment will consist of an essay of 3000 words.
Formative assessment will be through a journal in which students:
1. reflect on the theme of each day’s activity,
2. record their questions,
3. show critical engagement with the emerging issues, and on which the tutor will provide feedback.
Both elements of assessment will assess ILOs 1-5. The essay in particular will assess ILO 5.
Bauckham, R., Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation (London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2010)
Berry, R. J., Ecology and the Environment. The Mechanisms, Marring and Maintenance of Nature (West Conshohocken PA: Templeton Press, 2011)
Horrell, D. G. et al. (eds.), Ecological Hermeneutics: Biblical, Historical and Theological Perspectives (London: T&T Clark, 2010)
Scruton, R., Green Philosophy: How to Think Seriously About the Planet (London: Atlantic Books, 2012)
Snyder, H. A. & Scandrett, J., Salvation Means Creation Healed (Eugene OR: Cascade Books, 2011)
White, R. S. (ed.), Creation in Crisis. Christian Perspectives on Sustainability (London: SPCK, 2009)
