God's Creation: A Course on Theology and the Environment
Length: 4 hours 54 minutes
Experience this insightful course on the environment.
These 12 thought-provoking lectures will give you a distinctly Catholic understanding of the earth. As you explore ecological theology and environmental ethics, you will focus on the themes of origin, crisis, conversion, and action. Using Sacred Scripture, the insights of the Franciscan tradition, and modern Catholic social teaching, you will discover a holistic approach to God, humanity, and creation.
For Catholics, the environment has always been a deeply spiritual and ethical issue. From the Psalms to Franciscan theology, the Catholic tradition emphasizes the importance of caring for all of God's creation. And with Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical on the environment, Laudato si', issues such as climate change and protecting the planet have moved to the forefront.
In this powerful course, you will explore the relationship between science and religion, understanding God as the generous Creator who has entrusted us with care for the Earth. Then, you will consider the ways in which humans have forgotten this responsibility and how we can reverse the destruction of the earth. With this in mind, you will look at what the life of Christ, the Franciscan tradition, and modern Catholic social teaching can teach you about living justly and sustainably.
Ultimately, you will emerge with a sense of renewed hope in the face of a global crisis. Embark on this essential journey through God's creation today.
Study Guide
01 Part I– Stories of Origins: In the Beginning
02 Science and Faith: A Holy Marriage Birthing a New Cosmology
03 Creation, Covenant, and Community
04 From Creation to New Creation
05 Part II–Stories of Crisis
06 The Human Person: Partner and Protector
07 The Human Person: Predator and Pillager
08 The Human Person: Technocrat and Tyrant?
09 Part III–Stories of Conversion
10 Jesus Christ: An Ecological Perspective
11 The Franciscan Theological Tradition and Ecological Virtue Ethics
12 Catholic Social Teaching and Ecological Responsibility
13 Part IV–Stories of Empowerment and Action: Critical Issues
14 Wholly of Water and Holy Water
15 Food for Mind, Body, and Spirit
16 A Climate Change for a Changing Climate