This course is part of the Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

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Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community SpecializationYale University

About this Course

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At first glance the fields of religion and ecology may seem and unlikely pairing, but a deeper consideration reveals the two have a great deal to contribute to one another and are indeed inextricably linked. Religions recognize the unity and interdependence of humans with nature. Ecological sciences affirm this deep interconnection with the natural world. This partnership can inspire work for the wellbeing of the Earth community
There is a need for broader literacy and deeper knowledge of the world’s religions and their ecological contributions. This specialization, "Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community", contributes such a perspective. Each course celebrates the vitality of religiously-informed action for the Earth and recognizes the longstanding contributions of Indigenous peoples in offering visions and practices for ecological flourishing. 

This course is part 5 of 5 of the "Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community" specialization that focuses on the ecological dimensions of religious traditions throughout the world.

The course you are about to begin is designed as a gateway to these aspects of the three Western religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. So much has emerged in the last several decades in this area, as you will see. While we have taught this course at Yale, we have adapted it for learners from a wide range of backgrounds.

This course is for lifelong learners curious to know more about world religions and ecology, environmental professionals eager to deepen the discourse of environmental protection and conservation, those working with non-profit organizations and NGOs on issues of ecological justice, and religion leaders and laity who wish to know how they can contribute to interreligious dialogue on environmental projects.

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 5 of 5 in the

Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Beginner Level

Introduction to Religions and Ecology, Indigenous Religions and Ecology, South Asian Religions and Ecology and East Asian Religions and Ecology

Approx. 18 hours to complete

English

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Skills you will gain

Philosophy
conservation
Religion
Ecology

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Course 5 of 5 in the

Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Beginner Level

Introduction to Religions and Ecology, Indigenous Religions and Ecology, South Asian Religions and Ecology and East Asian Religions and Ecology

Approx. 18 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Mary Evelyn Tucker

Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar

Yale School of the Environment

35,883 Learners

13 Courses

John Grim

Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar

Yale School of the Environment

35,883 Learners

13 Courses

Offered by

Yale University

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

1 hour to complete

MODULE 1: Course Introduction

1 hour to complete

6 videos (Total 37 min), 8 readings

6 videos

Video: Land Acknowledgement - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker 1mCourse Introduction: Western Religions and Ecology - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker3mPersonal Introduction - Mary Evelyn Tucker5mPersonal Introduction - John Grim3mLecture - What is Religion? - Mary Evelyn Tucker 4mLecture - Introduction to the Study of Religion and Ecology - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker18m

8 readings

Welcome letter from Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim2mHow this course is organized1mLearn more about your Instructors5m(Optional) Religion and Ecology Conferences and Book Series, 1996-1998Pre-video introduction: The Promise of Planetary Health1m(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-lecture introduction: “Introduction to the Study of Religion and Ecology”1m(Optional) Ways to Learn More1m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

MODULE 2: Introduction and Overview – Judaism

2 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 37 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz

3 videos

Lecture - Judaism: Formation and Figures - John Grim9mLecture - Introduction and Overview to Judaism: Scriptures and Commentaries - John Grim12mLecture - Introduction and Overview to Judaism: Beliefs and Practices - John Grim15m

8 readings

Judaism Sacred Texts40mJudaism in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action”20m(Optional) Judaism and Ecology: Ambiguities and Possibilities(Optional) Scripture, Culture and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreResources on Judaism and Ecology5mPre-video Introduction: “Rabbi David Rosen on Faiths for Forests”1m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 2: Introduction and Overview – Judaism10m

Week3

Week 3

3 hours to complete

MODULE 3: Judaism and Ecology into the Present

3 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 65 min), 14 readings, 1 quiz

3 videos

Lecture - Judaism and Ecology into the Present: Orienting and Grounding - John Grim22mLecture - Judaism and Ecology into the Present: Nurturing and Transforming - John Grim26m(Optional) Joshua Ratner, “Jewish Rituals and Engaged Environmentalism.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker15m

14 readings

Jewish Women in Environmental Activism16mPre-video introduction: “Green Torah Wisdom: Becoming a Jewish Environmentalist” 1m(Optional) Pre-video introduction: “Jewish Rituals and Engaged Environmentalism”Earth Bible and Commentary5m(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “Tu B’Sh’vat Matters: Celebrating Trees and Nature” 1mRabbi Ellen Bernstein, founder of Shomrei Adomah 5mRabbi Arthur Waskow, founder of The Shalom Center 18m(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “A Jewish Perspective on Food & Faith”1mProtecting Biodiversity: A Covenant with Every Living Thing4mPre-video introduction: “A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World”1m(Optional) “Jewish Veganism and Vegetarianism: Studies and New Directions”(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 3: Judaism and Ecology into the Present10m

Week4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

MODULE 4: Introduction and Overview – Christianity

Have you ever wondered how Christianity might play a role in environmental awareness and restoration? This week explores in three sections ways in which Christianity opens doorways into environmental thought and action. In the first section the focus is on the formation and early figures in Christianity. The second section explores the contributions to environmental insight in the Orthodox Christian tradition. The third section examines the remarkable teachings in the Catholic encyclical, Laudato Si’, and its emphasis on “integral ecology.”

3 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 52 min), 17 readings, 1 quiz

2 videos

Lecture - Overview of Christianity: Formation and Figures - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker26mLecture - Introduction to Christianity: Scripture and Commentary - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker25m

17 readings

Christianity Sacred Texts5m(Optional) Ecological Biblical HermeneuticsChristianity in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action” 27mPre-video introduction: “Interview on Christianity and Ecology”1m(Optional) Christianity and EcologyResources on Christianity and Ecology 5m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreChristianity as Orienting to the Cosmos34mPre-video introduction: “The Adriatic: A Sea at Risk”1m(Optional) Common Declaration of John Paul II and the Ecumenical Patriarch His Holiness Bartholomew I (2002)(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePope Francis and the Environment: Why His Climate Encyclical MattersLaudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home8mResources on Laudato Si’, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology5mPre-video introduction: “Thomas Berry, Cultural Historian and Geologian”1m(Optional) Resources on Thomas Berry(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 4: Introduction and Overview – Christianity10m

Week5

Week 5

3 hours to complete

MODULE 5: Christianity and Ecology into the Present

We focus on multiple religious implications in Christianity of orienting, grounding, nurturing, and transforming. We explore: first, forms of Christian environmental activism; second, the ways in which rituals and liturgies in Christianity expand upon ideas and practices in the traditions to ecological empathy and affection; and, third, ways in which Christianity relates to food and animals as part of an environmental ethic.

3 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 75 min), 17 readings, 1 quiz

4 videos

Lecture - Christianity and Ecology Into the Present - John Grim30mA Crime Against Creation11mWillie Jennings, “Environmental Justice and the Christian Doctrine of Creation.” Interview by John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker19mMelanie Harris, “Eco-Womanism, Ecological Memory, and Womanist Theology.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker12m

17 readings

(Optional) New House Rules: Christianity, Economics, and Planetary LivingPre-video introduction: “A Crime Against Creation”1mEvangelical Environmental Network 5mPre-video introduction: “Environmental Justice and the Christian Doctrine of Creation”1mPre-video introduction: “Eco-Womanism, Ecological Memory, and Womanist Theology” 1m(Optional) African Diaspora: African American environmental religious ethics and ecowomanism(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreSeason of Creation5mGod’s Good Earth: Praise and Prayer for Creation14m(Optional) Resources on Earth Mass(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “Looking at Food Theologically”1mPre-video introduction: “Food, Farming, and Faith” 1m(Optional) Pre-video introduction: “Living Earth Community: Multiple Ways of Being and Knowing”1mAnimals: Who Cares? 12m(Optional) CreatureKind(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 5: Christianity and Ecology into the Present10m

Week6

Week 6

2 hours to complete

MODULE 6: Introduction and Overview – Islam

Have you ever wondered how Islam has fostered environmental awareness historically and in the present? This module includes three sections that respond to this question. In the first section, the focus is on the early formation of Islam and how tawhid, or “unity,” can inspire broad environmental thinking. The second section examines specific beliefs and practices in Islam and their ecological implications. The third section highlights Islamic religious environmentalism in Indonesia.

2 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 60 min), 14 readings, 1 quiz

3 videos

Lecture - Overview of Islam: Formation and Figures - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker25mLecture - Introduction to Islam: Scripture and Commentary - John Grim16mLecture - Overview of Islam: Beliefs and Practices - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker18m

14 readings

Islam Sacred Texts 7mIslam in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action”18m(Optional) Islam: Norms and PracticesPre-video introduction: “Quran Inspires Environmental Stewardship”1m(Optional) Pre-video introduction: “Religion and the Environment: Sarah Jawaid Extended Interview”(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “Changing the Present, Dreaming the Future” 1mResources on Islam and Ecology5m(Optional) Ways to Learn More“Eco-pesantren” movement takes Islamic perspective on nature conservation10mIndonesian Muslim Council Issues a Fatwa to Protect Endangered Species2m(Optional) Protecting Tigers with a Fatwa(Optional) Fatwas on Boosting Environmental Conservation in Indonesia(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 6: Introduction and Overview – Islam10m

Week7

Week 7

1 hour to complete

MODULE 7: Islam and Ecology into the Present

1 hour to complete

1 video (Total 23 min), 12 readings, 1 quiz

1 video

Lecture - Islam and Ecology into the Present: Orienting: Grounding, Nurturing, and Transforming - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker23m

12 readings

How Islam can represent a model for environmental stewardship6m(Optional) Guardianship of the EnvironmentPre-video introduction: “Iran ‘serious’ about fighting climate change”1m(Optional) Muslims and climate change(Optional) Pre-video introduction: “Make or Break”Pre-video introduction: “The Sacred Island - Saving the Ocean”1mYoung Muslim women are leading environmental movements grounded in their beliefs 9m(Optional) Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “A Muslim Perspective on Food - Theological, Spiritual, and Ethical Grounding”1m(Optional) Food, Faith, and Farming(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 7: Islam and Ecology into the Present10m

Week8

Week 8

2 hours to complete

MODULE 8: Integral Ecology: Water, Climate, and Ecojustice

What would interreligious dialogue on environmental issues look like? This module provides examples of engaged religious environmentalism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The first section explores efforts to restore the Jordan River and to encourage interreligious environmental dialogue. The second section stresses Abrahamic religious efforts to respond to climate emergencies; and the third section provides case studies from each of the Abrahamic religions.

2 hours to complete

1 video (Total 7 min), 24 readings, 1 quiz

1 video

Everett Gendler, “Judaism, Social Justice, and Religious Environmentalism.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker7m

24 readings

Pre-video introduction: “EcoPeace Middle East: Peace is Possible”1mEcoPeace Middle East5mRepresentatives of 3 Religions Sign on a Jordan River Covenant7mPre-video introduction: “Abrahamic Workshop Interview with Gidon Bromberg & Yana Abu Taleb”1mOptional) Abrahamic Traditions & Environmental Change Workshop(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “Speak Torah to Power: Tikkun Olam - Repairing our World in the Climate Crisis”1mDayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action5m(Optional) “One synagogue divests from a Carbon Pharaoh Bank”Pre-video introduction: “Judaism, Social Justice, and Religious Environmentalism”1m(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “Climate Change: Faith and Fact”1mHow green theology is energizing the black community to fight the climate crisis9m(Optional) Epiphany Declaration: 20 Christian Organisations Divest from Fossil Fuels(Optional) Christianity and Environmental Justice(Optional) Interfaith Power & Light - A Religious Response to Global Warming(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreMuslims Stand Up for Environmental Justice5mPre-video introduction: “Faith and the fight against climate change, Part 3”1m(Optional) Muslim group divests from fossil fuels(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreEngaged Projects in Religion and Ecology 10mFaith Action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals5m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 8: Integral Ecology: Water, Climate, and Ecojustice10m

Week9

Week 9

7 minutes to complete

MODULE 9: Course Conclusion

7 minutes to complete

1 video (Total 2 min), 1 reading

Reviews

5.0

4 reviews

5 stars
100%

TOP REVIEWS FROM WESTERN RELIGIONS & ECOLOGY

by PPMar 23, 2023

I do take from these courses that Ecology is a great integrator for faith traditions Indigenous, South Asian, East Asian, West Asian and Religions.

View all reviews

About the Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Why do religions matter when we talk about environmental problems and solutions?

The environmental crisis is not simply a political, economic, or technological problem; it is a moral and spiritual call to long-term change. Religious narratives resonate with large numbers of people —85% of the world’s population belong to religious communities. Religions have educational institutions around the world that can inspire people for an ecologically just future. Religious structures and sacred spaces provide a symbolic and practical context for aligning humans with nature. Religions have financial assets that can be used for transformative change, such as divestment and reinvestment. To whom will these courses appeal? Lifelong learners curious to know more about world religions and ecology Environmental professionals eager to deepen the discourse of environmental protection and conservation Those working with non-profit organizations and NGOs on issues of ecological justice, especially where minority communities are adversely affected Those involved in education -- College and high school students looking for a broader view of religion and spirituality, teachers developing curriculum, Those involved in the world’s religions -- Religious leaders and laity who want to know how they can contribute to interreligious dialogue on environmental issues; Religious communities interested in building engaging projects, such as the restoration of local bioregions.

Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community

Frequently Asked Questions

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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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