Ecological concerns have begun to permeate our collective consciousness. Rapid species extinction, poisoned air, forest clear-cutting, ozone depletion, global climate change, "climate justice" and the impact of climate "chaos" on vulnerable communities, all weigh heavily on our personal, intellectual, and spiritual lives.
Christian communities are increasingly realizing that their faith and outreach must somehow speak to our present ecological crisis if they are to remain vital, and if they are to remain responsible, faithful, and relevant amidst these profound threats to the flourishing of creation.
This course examines how religious and spiritual concerns interface with contemporary environmental issues. While introducing students to concerns and debates in environmental ethics and ecological theology, the course pays particular attention to the challenges posed within a Canadian post-industrial context such as Hamilton, Ontario. In recent years, a growing social and ecological awareness has been emerging in Hamilton, with A Rocha recently opening a ministry there, urban agriculture groups (e.g. Victory Gardens) sprouting up, and church involvement in the True City movement. This course proposes to interface with such groups, including guest presentations from these organizations as well as site visits.
Through such interaction, as well as readings, films, class discussions, and course assignments, a variety of Christian responses to our present ecological and social challenges will be probed, including biblical andtheological notions of stewardship and creation care. As well Christian approaches to environmental racism, urban and community supported agriculture, and the nexus between the option for the poor and the option for the earth will be addressed.