Yale University

Christianity & Ecology

Mary Evelyn Tucker
John Grim

Instructors: Mary Evelyn Tucker

2,464 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.2

(16 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

18 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.2

(16 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

18 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 10 modules in this course

What's included

4 videos7 readings1 discussion prompt1 plugin

We begin by situating Christianity within the study of Religion and Ecology. We explore topics such as creation, incarnation, and sacraments as an entry into Christianity and Ecology. We introduce the emergence of eco-theology as a shift in theological thinking that relates the teachings of Christianity to our contemporary ecological and climate related challenges.

What's included

7 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

We reflect on historical questions embedded in the study of Christianity and Ecology. How do our contemporary environmental challenges and questions relate to the earlier formation and development of Christianity? Foremost among these questions are ideas of stewardship and care for the Earth along with doctrinal issues regarding incarnation, especially as this theme relates to the historical figure of Christ, and the Cosmic Christ prominent in John’s Gospel and several of Paul’s Epistles.

What's included

11 videos15 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt1 plugin

We focus on Orthodox Christianity and ecology under the leadership of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, first among the religious leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church. We follow the symposium he organized on the Adriatic Sea, which like all of his eight symposia focused on water issues. This conference brought together scientists, civil servants, journalists, and religious spokespersons to consider ecology, politics, and spirituality as a basis for more integrated environmental solutions.

What's included

8 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt2 plugins

We focus on Catholic theology and ecojustice under the leadership of Pope Francis, especially with attention to his encyclical letter, Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home (2015). The influence of this encyclical is widespread, including responses from other religions and transformative action led by the Laudato Si’ Movement. Through the lens of “integral ecology,” this document expands understandings of social justice to incorporate ecosystems and all forms of life.

What's included

7 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt2 plugins

We focus on the impact of the Protestant Reformation movements in Christianity, especially with regard to their positions on the natural world as God’s creation. In the 16th Century, the Reformation opened new theological directions and institutional formations that have shaped human-Earth relations into the present. Christianity began to be guided by a broader community-church leadership as reformers engaged scripture and the natural world.

What's included

3 videos18 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt3 plugins

We explore topics of significance for contemporary Christianity, namely environmental justice and the roles of women in Christianity and ecology. Building on Christian concepts of social justice, ecojustice has emerged in response to disproportionate environmental harms faced by marginalized communities. This integration of environmental and social issues affirms the writings, practices, and experiences of women in Christianity worldwide.

What's included

3 videos16 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt2 plugins

We explore emerging Christian perspectives regarding food, agriculture, animals, and biodiversity. We place this in the context of a “communion of subjects” affirming the profound interconnection of all life. We highlight emerging theological ethics and engaged religious action in response to the climate emergency.

What's included

17 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt5 plugins

How might Christianity flourish in relation to scientific insights about evolution? In this module, the first section focuses on the influence of Thomas Berry and a New Story. This evolutionary story is a context for human flourishing, an orientation for Christianity, and an inspiration for other religious traditions in a planetary era. The second section focuses on forms of worship that emphasize the sacred relationship between Human, Earth, and Cosmos.

What's included

1 video16 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt5 plugins

What's included

1 video1 reading

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.1 (8 ratings)
Mary Evelyn Tucker
Yale University
13 Courses46,609 learners
John Grim
Yale University
13 Courses46,609 learners

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Yale University

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Reviewed on Jan 11, 2023

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