SYLLABUS FOR TL4310: EARTH THEOLOGY

Course Goals:

To investigate the recent history of theological attention to the earth and its ecological systems,
human impact on the environment, and biblical and spiritual resources for addressing the
present crisis of global development and sustainability.

To become acquainted with some prominent Christian theologians who are addressing
environmental concerns

To explore connections between theological reflection and ethical action
To become better equipped to address environmental issues in a pastoral setting

Format:

1 three hour seminar per week

Textbooks:

Hessel, Dieter T and Rosemary Radford Ruether, eds. Christianity and Ecology: Seeking the
Well-Being of Earth and Humans. Harvard University Center for the Study of World
Religions, 2000.

Articles on reserve in the library

Requirements:

Assigned reading – furnish 3 discussion questions for each class referring to readings

Participate in two field trips

Research paper (10-12 pages on topic to be decided in consultation with instructor)

Ministry project (worship service, adult forum series, devotions for church council, youth
retreat, etc.) utilizing print and media resources

Weekly journal (1/2 to 1 page) of observations and theological reflections about some
specific hands-on experiences in relation to readings and class discussions (track
use of utilities, grow a plant, visit a landfill, follow a news story, etc.)

Grading:

Grades are pass/fail, but will be calculated on a point system of 100 with 70 being considered passing. All written assignments are due on the day indicated in the syllabus, and 2 points will be deducted from the grade for the assignment for every day that work is past due. No written work will be accepted after the end of the semester unless an extension form has been requested by the student, signed by the student’s advisor, and submitted to the instructor by the last class day. Journal 25%, research paper 40%, ministry project 25%, discussion questions and participation 10%.

SCHEDULE:

Tues. 9-11: Introduction: History of theological concern for the earth

Tues. 9-18: Creation

Read: Christianity and Ecology, xxxiii-xlvii, 3-27; Mortensen, “From a Liberated to a Reconstructed Creation” and Bettenhausen, “Creation,” in Concern for Creation, 25-37, 97-101: Sittler, “Called to Unity”; White, “The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis”
Due: journal entry

Tues. 9-25: Hebrew perspectives – importance of land, commandments, Sabbath, jubilee

Read: Bruggeman, The Land, ch. 1
Due: journal entry and research proposal

Tues. 10-2: Christological perspectives – Incarnation and Redemption (salvation out of the world or salvation of the world, salvation of humans and other creatures)

Read: Christianity and Ecology, 29-50; Westhelle, “Cross, Creation and Ecology,” in Concern for Creation, 159-167; Santmire, “Toward a Christology of Nature”
Due: journal entry

Tues. 10-9: Pneumatological perspectives – Spirit and Life

Read: Christianity and Ecology, 51-96
Due: journal entry

Tues. 10-16: NO CLASS

Tues. 10-23: Ecclesiological perspectives – earth as space for relationship

Read: Christianity and Ecology, 97-124, 127-154
Due: journal entry

Tues. 10-30: Ecumenical perspectives - justification and justice for the earth

Read: Christianity and Ecology, 155-182
Due: journal entry

Tues. 11-6: Human and other creatures – ecological systems and balance

Read: Christianity and Ecology, 227-361
Due: journal entry

Tues. 11-13: Eschatology – end of earth

Read: Christianity and Ecology, 183-224
Due: research paper (no journal entry due this week)

Tues. 11-20: NO CLASS

Tues. 11-27: Practical aspects – witness: ethics of global economy and sustainability

Read: Christianity and Ecology, 365-511
Due: journal entry

Tues. 12-4: Practical aspects – stewardship: use and conservation of resources

Read: Christianity and Ecology, 515-613
Due: journal entry

Tues. 12-11: Practical aspects – worship

No reading assignment
Due: ministry project (no journal entry due this week)