Units timetabled for 2013 and 2014 are provisional only, and details of semester and time will change. The official timetable for each year is released on 1 September of the prior year.

Archived unit descriptions for 2011 are available here.

A Theological Approach to Ecology

Unit Code: 
CT327
RTI: 
United Faculty of Theology
Unit Value: 
15 points

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.  

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.
Lecturer/s: 
John Wilcken
Timetabling
Unit Frequency: 
Occasional
Years Offered: 
2010
Unit Fields
Courses: 
Graduate Diploma in Theology
Courses: 
Master of Divinity
Courses: 
Master of Theological Studies
Field: 
Field C Christian Thought and History
Disciplines: 
Systematic Theology
MDiv Field: 
Theology and the Public Realm
Department Name: 
Department of Christian Thought and History
Unit Level
GradDip Field: 
Elective
MDiv Type of Study: 
Integrative
Mode of Teaching: 
Semester
Workload
Number of timetabled hours per week: 
3
Expected personal study hours per week: 
9
Total workload hours per week: 
12
Total workload hours for unit: 
144
Assessment
Assessment TypeWeightingLearning Outcomes Assessed
Assessment Type: 

1 x 3000 word essay

Weighting: 
50%
Assessment Type: 

1 x 3000 word essay

Weighting: 
50%
Recommended reading: 

* = set texts recommended for purchase

  • 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.

© United Faculty of Theology, 2008-2012.