The present global ecological crisis is often alleged to be the outcome of the Judeo-Christian understanding of the Holy Scriptures. This calls students of the Bible to undertake a serious exegetical study, especially of the Pentateuch with its rich “Law Codes,” as well as a general investigation of the Bible as a whole, in order to be able to understand God’s concern for every living being and preservation of the whole created order. In this course we shall be doing close study of biblical texts – but doing so in a conversation that embraces perspectives of Christians from North America, South Asia with particular reference to India and other parts of the world. Hence it aims to advance students’ competency in both the areas of “Religious Heritage – Scripture” and “Cultural Context.”
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify ways in which the Bible (whole periscopes, particular words) have been interpreted and used in such a way that leads to (or justifies) ecological degradation.
2. Analyze theological concepts so as to be able to discern – and question – the anthropocentric assumptions and constructs that have been predominant in the Christian tradition.
3. Articulate contributions to a Christian understanding of ecology that come from Christian communities in South Asia with special reference to India and other parts of the world.
4. Interpret (and teach and preach) relevant Biblical passages and Law Codes so as to discern and articulate a firm conviction of God’s concern for every creature and the theological centrality of ecological preservation.
Bibliography
Andrew Linzey. Animal Gospel: Christian Faith as Though Animals Mattered.
Chilkuri Vasantha Rao. Let the Mother Bird Go: Preservation Motif in Pentateuch.
Chilkuri Vasantha Rao. Animal Rights and Animal Laws in the Bible: The Daily Practice of Reverence for Life.