Overview
Engaging with biblical, historical and contemporary theologies of nature, this paper explores the resources available within the Christian tradition for shaping a contemporary ecological ethic.
In an era of climate change, sea-level rise, species extinction, and the widespread destruction of natural habitats, environmental ethics is an urgent global concern. This paper explores the contribution of the Christian tradition to the understanding of our environment and to responsible human habitation of the world.
About this paper
| Paper title | Theology and the Environment |
|---|---|
| Subject | Christian Thought and History |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2024 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $981.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 36 points at 100-level
- Restriction
- CHTH 324
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Course Coordinator and Lecturer: Dr Andrew Shepherd
- Paper Structure
Module 1 - Theology in an Ecological Age
- Definitions & Challenges
- How do we see the world?
- God & the World (Trinity, Christology & Pneumatology)
- Anthropology & Human Vocation
- Eschatology & Ecological Hope
Module 2 - Christian Ecological Ethics
- An overview of Ecological Ethics
- Ecological Virtues
- Ecological Practices - The importance of place
- Ecological Practices - The art of contemplation
- Patterns of Consumption - Limits & Attachment
Module 3 - Applied Ethics
- Food Production & Dietary Choices
- The Politics of Water
- International Travel & Carbon Offsetting
- Species Extinction & Conservation
- Teaching Arrangements
The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.
Campus: Two three-hour classes each week
Distance: Two three-hour classes per week. Distance students participate in the campus classes via Zoom. Students who are unable to join classes can watch recordings at a later time.- Textbooks
There is no compulsory textbook for this paper.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key elements of ecological theologies
- Outline and critically evaluate a range of ethical approaches to human relationships within nature
- Describe the significance of virtues and practices within the development of a contemporary Christian ecological ethic
- Offer critical theological/ethical reflection upon the ecological impact of human patterns of consumption
- Offer a critical evaluation of the ecological merit of one ecological theologian/ethicist
Timetable
Overview
Engaging with biblical, historical and contemporary theologies of nature, this paper explores the resources available within the Christian tradition for shaping a contemporary ecological ethic.
In an era of climate change, sea-level rise, species extinction, and the widespread destruction of natural habitats, environmental ethics is an urgent global concern. This paper explores the contribution of the Christian tradition to the understanding of our environment and to responsible human habitation of the world.
About this paper
| Paper title | Theology and the Environment |
|---|---|
| Subject | Christian Thought and History |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2
(On campus)
Semester 2 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2025 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 36 points at 100-level
- Restriction
- CHTH 324
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Eligibility
Any student can study Theology, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an examination of the scriptures, history, content and relevance of the Christian faith, but it presupposes or requires no Christian commitment from students. All it requires is an inquiring mind and an interest in those skills that can be gained through the study of any subject in the Humanities.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Course Coordinator and Lecturer: Dr Andrew Shepherd
- Paper Structure
Module 1 – Theology in an Ecological Age
- Ecological & Definitional Challenges
- How do we see the world?
- God & Matter
- Christ & Creation
- Human Identity and Vocation
- Apocalyptic Visions & Ecological Hope
Module 2 – Christian Ecological Ethics & Moral Formation
- A Land Ethic and Ecological Virtues
- Limits and Attachment
- Place and Attentiveness
- Love, Loss, Lament & Grief
Module 3 – Enacted Hope & Future Possibilities
- Food & Faithfulness
- Personhood & the Politics of Water
- Animal Ethics, Species Extinction, and Conservation
- Carbon, Speed, and Modes of Travel
- Beyond “Crisis”
- Teaching Arrangements
Fully Distance (for distance students).
Campus: One three-hour class each week.
Distance: One three-hour class per week. Distance students participate in the campus classes via Zoom. Students who are unable to join classes can watch recordings at a later time.
- Textbooks
There is no compulsory textbook for this paper.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key elements of ecological theologies.
- Outline and critically evaluate a range of ethical approaches to human relationships within nature.
- Describe the significance of virtues and practices within the development of a contemporary Christian ecological ethic.
- Offer critical theological/ethical reflection upon the ecological impact of human patterns of consumption.
- Apply the theoretical issues discussed in this paper to a particular environmental concern in contemporary New Zealand society.
- Assessment details
- Online Discussions (20%)
- Essay #1 (30%)
- Essay #2 (50%)