Ecology and Pedagogy: on the educational implications of postwar environmental philosophy (original) (raw)
Related papers
The Study of Christian Education on Eco-Theology
1st Virtual Workshop on Writing Scientific Article for International Publication Indexed SCOPUS
Various ecological problems are currently getting the attention of the wider community included theologians. The concern of environmental sustainability for the sake of human sustainability is shown through several studies conducted from various fields of study. One of the studies that are concerned about environmental aspects is theology, and through this study, the term eco-theology was born. Christian faith believes in the universe as God's creation, and humans are given the right to manage and responsible for its sustainability (Gen. 1:28). Christian education as an important element in the development of God's work on earth becomes an extension of the church's hand in its participation in environmental preservation. That is why this study analyzes environmental theology or eco-theology for the good of mankind. Christian education needs to be present to educate mankind about the importance of preserving the environment to sustain human civilization. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method by conducting a literature review.
Ecology and the Theology of Nature
Concilium, 2018
The threat of ecocide poses an ethical challenge which calls humans to rethink our relationship with nature, perceive the divine wisdom manifest in creation, and act cooperatively and co-creatively with other living beings. This article explores how God is present in creation and links Jesus’s proclamation of the Reign of God with the wisdom manifest in creation. Emerging insights from postmodern science are examined to better understand the ‘governing themes and basal intentionality’ manifest in an evolving cosmos. Finally, it is suggested that humans can develop ecological wisdom by opening themselves to the alterity of other beings and working respectfully and creatively with them to seek the healing, regeneration, and integral liberation of the Earth community.
Ecology and Contemporary Christian Theology
Religion Compass, 2011
This article explores contemporary shifts in eco-theological thinking as they relate to the overall field of 'religion and ecology ⁄ nature'. More specifically, this article looks not only at retrieving theological, biblical and ethical resources from Christianity to address contemporary ecological issues, but rather how meaning-making practices are changed in the contemporary context of globalization and global climate change. How does globalization challenge concepts of meaning that claim universality? How does climate change challenge a separation between moral and natural 'evil'? How do urban ecology and environmental justice challenge distinctions between humans, technology, and the rest of the natural world, and what might this mean for theological understandings of creation? In the end, these questions highlight an overall shift in theological thinking: moving from global understandings of the world toward planetary understandings.
Ecology: Religious or Secular?
Heythrop Journal-a Quarterly Review of Philosophy and Theology, 1997
‘Ecology: religious or secular?’ addresses the issue of the relation between ecology and the idea of God. ‘Social’ interpretations of ecology seem to fit with traditional Christian models, such as stewardship, for grasping the relation between humanity and nature. ‘Deep’ interpretations of ecology, in which nature is understood to encompass humanity, appear, by contrast, less amenable to assimilation by Christianity.The choice – for so it is often presented – between ‘deep’ and ‘social’ forms of ecology is thus a test case for Christianity. Does the Christian theologian opt for ‘social’ ecology because it best addresses the issue of human embeddedness in nature or because it fits better with prior metaphysical commitments?This article argues that the only way such a dilemma can be addressed theologically is by thinking through at a fundamental level the character of God’s relation to the world. An enquiry in philosophical theology, through the consideration of the concept of divine simplicity, it is argued, suggests that Christianity is not condemned to ‘religious’ readings of ecology. That is, Christianity is not obliged to select evidence based on criteria derived from prior theological commitments (e.g. to the model of stewardship).Instead, beginning in the concept of God enables a truly ‘secular’ enquiry which acknowledges a wide range of evidence of our materiality. Indeed, such a ‘secular’ enquiry can only be established by reference to the idea of God.
The Field of Religion and Ecology: Addressing the Environmental Crisis and Challenging Faiths
This essay is concerned with “religion and ecology,” or religious environmentalism. It analyzes how religious traditions are used to understand and interact with the environment and environmental issues, suggesting wass of relating to these that are different from and possibly less destructive and ecologically harmful than those of the modern secular worldview. It argues that religious traditions may thereby be gaining new private and public relevance, while perhaps also being changed in the process, becoming more envrionmentally friendly and ecumenical. The article ethnographically and qualitatively analyzes a “field of religion and ecology” comprising ecologically minded academics ansd representatives of various religious traditions who promote such ideas, stimulating new eco-spiritualities and theologies, possibly even a new eco-religious movement. It also explores the environmental reintepretation of several religious traditions within the field, highlighting not only some influential images and views but also any commonalities or convergences that may be arising or are being encouraged between them.
Ecotheology and Analysis of Christian Education in Overcoming Ecological Problems
International Journal of Science and Society, 2023
Various environmental problems have become a central focus recently and are expected to increase in the coming years. God's command to Adam and Eve to fill and dominate the earth was not intended to exploit natural resources. As stated in Genesis 1:28,31; 2:15, one of God's purposes for creating humans is to inhabit, rule, and maintain the universe as a sustainable place to live. The method used in this study is a qualitative method with a review of literature on ecotheology and analysis of Christian Religious Education in overcoming ecological problems. The basis for understanding environmental theology (ecotheology) is the awareness that the environmental crisis is not only a secular problem, but also a serious religious problem, because it stems from religious misunderstandings about life. Through environmental theology, a review is carried out on religious understandings in society, especially regarding the position of humans and their responsibilities in relation to the nature that has been inhabited. The environment is a very important subject to pay attention to and of course it must get special attention within the learning and application of Christian Religious Education.
Religion and environmental education: Building on common ground
Canadian Journal of Environmental …, 2006
Environmental educators are beginning to consider how to incorporate religious resources into their curricula. Common concerns about religion pose a challenge for integration, but these concerns are manageable. Reflection on the precursors of environmental citizenship behaviour provides a framework for considering some of the ways that religious elements can enhance environmental education. Furthermore, faith-based environmental education programs have existed for decades, and their practices can suggest some starting points. Abundant ecotheology resources also exist, including environmental policy statements within most denominations. These resources can provide a common ground between religion and environmental education. Résumé Les éducateurs de l'environnement commencent à examiner l'inclusion de ressources religieuses dans leurs programmes d'étude. Des préoccupations communes sur la religion posent un défi en ce qui concerne l'intégration de ces ressources, mais ces inquiétudes ne présentent pas de problème insoluble. La réflection sur les précurseurs du comportement de la citoyenneté face à l'environnement fournit un cadre permettant de considérer certaines façons dont des éléments religieux de mettre en valeur l'éducation écologique. De plus, les programmes d'éducation écologique basés sur la foi existent depuis des décennies et leurs pratiques peuvent laisser entrevoir quelques points de départ. D'abondantes ressources écothéologiques existent aussi, notamment des formulations de politiques en environnement, dans la plupart des dénominations religieuses. Ces ressources peuvent fournir une base commune entre la religion et l'éducation écologique.
Environmental Education Research, 2007
In the USA, many environmental educators have paid little attention to Western Christian and Jewish ecotheology, in spite of its being a potentially rich resource for environmental education. In part, this neglect can be attributed to popular misconceptions about the influence of religious beliefs on environmental values. This essay reviews the results of relevant empirical studies within the environmental sociology literature since 1977 to clarify common misconceptions. Conclusions from these empirical studies and other sources may make it easier for environmentalists to reconsider the resources of ecotheology. Reconsidering ecotheology is also practical in that it provides environmental education a means of better connecting with the primary values of many citizens, offers new partnership possibilities for building environmental education infrastructure, and broadens the pluralistic base for environmental ethics. Several basic tenets of ecotheology offer starting points for educators by providing common ground between theology and environmental education.
Scriptura, 2021
This contribution builds upon and contributes to many recent ecumenical calls for an ecological reformation of Christianity. It seeks to guide such calls on the use of the term “ecology” by offering five brief statements in this regard, namely 1) on ecology as a transversal theme; 2) on ecology as an ecumenical theme; 3) on the root metaphor of the “whole household of God”; 4) on Christian doctrinal assumptions on such a household; and 5) on the (ecological) limitations of the metaphor of the whole household of God.