A Theological Approach to Ecology

UFT Code: 
CT327
Unit Credit Points: 
15
Timetabling
Semester: 
Second Semester
Time: 
6:30 - 9:30
Lecturer Profile: 
John Wilcken
Location: 
CTM
Years Offered: 
2010

The aim of this unit is to provide a perspective for Christian theology in which human beings are seen in the context of the created cosmos, and in relationship with other parts of the cosmos. The notion of interdependence is emphasized. Anthropocentrism is seen as a danger to human life, to the welfare of the planet, and to Christian theology. Human beings are understood to be part of a web of relationships. The cosmos is mysterious and wonderful. God is both immanent and transcendent. The relevance of this perspective to Scripture is considered in this cosmic context. The traditional Christian doctrines of creation, sin, Incarnation, Trinity, sacraments and eschatology are discussed. At graduate level this unit integrates Christian theology with the contemporary insight of ecology and the current understanding of the place of human beings in the world.  

Description
Learning Outcomes: 

 Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the process of cosmogenesis
  2. Outline the dangers of anthropocentrism
  3. Interpret selected passages of Scripture with new questions arising from this new understanding of the human situation
  4. Articulate the connections between the traditional doctrines of Christianity and ecological issues
  5. Formulate a Christian approach to the ecological crises of today
  6. Integrate the Christian tradition with a contemporary understanding of cosmogenesis.
Contact Hours: 

36 Hours

Assessment: 

2 x 3000 word essays (50% each) 

Bibliography: 
  • Berry, T. The Dream of the Earth. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books, 1988.
  • Boff. L. Cry of the Earth. Cry of the Poor. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1997,
  • Edwards, D., ed. Earth Revealing. Earth Healing. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2001.
  • Edwards D. Breath of Life. Maryknoll: Orbis, 2005.
  • Eaton, H. Introducing Ecofeminist Theologies. London: T. & T. Clark, 2005.
  • Habel, N., ed. Readings from the Perspective of the Earth. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2000.
  • Hart, J. Environmental Theology. New York: Paulist, 2004.
  • Hessel, D. J. and R. R. Ruether, eds. Christianity and Ecology. Harvard: Harvard University Press, 2000.
  • Moltmann, J. God in Creation. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.
  • Swinne, B. The Hidden Heart of the Cosmos. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1996.
Unit Fields
Course: 
Graduate Diploma in Theology
Master of Divinity
MTS
BTheol Field: 
Field C Christian Thought and History
MDiv Field: 
Theology and the Public Realm
RTI: 
United Faculty of Theology
Department Name: 
Department of Systematic Theology
Unit Level
GradDip Field: 
Elective
MDiv Type of Study: 
Integrative
MTS: 
MTS
Postgraduate: 
No

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