This interdisciplinary course, taught in collaboration with LSTC’s Zygon Center for Religion and Science, will prepare seminary students to offer informed and engaged leadership in response to environmental challenges for the future. The course includes a strong scientific component, with guest lecturers from the science faculties of Chicago-area universities and research centers. It also integrates theological responses to science—particularly climate change science– presented by theology and biblical professors from local seminaries, in order to help students make connections between the knowledge of science and faith traditions. Class discussions will prepare students to preach and teach on theology, ethics and ministry related to environmental issues, and to counsel parishioners. Community organizations will orient students to the collaborative network that will facilitate congregational action for environmental ministry.
Gayle Woloschak and Barbara Rossing
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Bibliography:
Required Reading:
Ellen Davis, Scripture, Culture and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible (Cambridge)
David Rhoads, ed., Earth and Word: Classic Sermons on Saving the Planet (Continuum)
One book on climate change: either: A Climate for Change by Katherine Hayhoe or Storms of My Grandchildren by James Hansen; or others TBA
Lester Brown, World on the Edge: How to Prevent Environmental and Economic Collapse. Earth Policy Institute, downloadable pdf: http://www.earth-policy.org/images/uploads/book_files/wotebook.pdf
Other articles and readings to be assigned by speakers
Highly Recommended Reading:
Maathai, Wangari, Replenishing the Earth: Spiritual Values for Healing Ourselves and the World. Doubleday, N.Y. 2010
Wirzba, Norman, Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating. Cambridge University Press, 2011.
The Green Bible. New York: HarperCollins. 2008 (includes introductory essays by Ellen Davis, N.T. Wright, and many others)