Big Questions: Caring for the Earth (BS8042L)

Postgraduate, 12.0 points

Content

In this unit students will consider how the Scriptures of Old and New Testaments represent living traditions rather than mere inert texts and continue to inform issues in the world. In particular, this unit will explore how Christian communities, including Lutheran communities, have understood and used the Scriptures to inform understanding of earth care and how the biblical meta-narrative with Christ at its centre can still inform a response to contemporary questions of stewardship towards the earth.

Unit code: BS8042L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 12.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Interpret biblical texts in the light of a Christ-focused biblical meta-narrative
2.

Analyse biblical texts relating to earth care in the light of their cultural, historical, literary, social and religious contexts
3.

Demonstrate relevant methodological skills in the interpretation of biblical texts relating to earth care
4.

Relate to contemporary issues of earth care from an informed perspective

Pedagogy

Engagement with online learning materials, including audio/video, tasks, forums and asynchronous discussion with lecturer

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bauman, Whitney. Theology, creation and environmental ethics: from Creatio Ex Nihilo to Terra Nullius. New York: Routledge, 2009.
  • Bloomquist, Karen L., ed. God, creation and climate change: spiritual and ethical perspectives. Minneapolis, MN: Lutheran University Press, 2009.
  • Edwards, Denis. Ecology at the heart of faith. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2006. Horrell, David. ‘Ecojustice in the Bible? Pauline contributions to an ecological theology.’ In Bible and justice: ancient texts, modern challenges, edited by Matthew J. M. Coomber. Oakville, CT: Equinox, 2011.
  • ———. Ecological hermeneutics: biblical, historical and theological perspectives. London & New York: T&T Clark, 2010.
  • Johnson, Elizabeth A. Creation and the cross: the mercy of God for a planet in peril. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2018.
  • McDuff, Mallory. Natural saints: how people of faith are working to save God’s earth. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010.
  • McFague, Sallie. Blessed are the consumers: climate change and the practice of restraint. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2013.
  • McMinn, Lisa Graham, and Megan Anna Neff. Walking gently on the earth: making faithful choices about food, energy, shelter and more. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2010.
  • Santmire, H. Paul. Ritualizing nature: renewing Christian liturgy in a time of crisis. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2008.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay 2450 words

 2450 67.0
Reflection

Summative Reflection 1050 words

 1050 33.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 26 Sep, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:48 +1000