CHRISTIANITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAITH, ENVIRONMENT, AND SUSTAINABILITY

About Course

This course explores the complex relationships between Christian faith, environmental sustainability, and climate change. Students will examine biblical teachings on creation and stewardship, analyzing theological and ethical implications of environmental degradation and climate change. The course covers scientific foundations of climate change, Christian ethics and climate justice, and community-based climate change initiatives. Through case studies, discussions, and reflective papers, students will develop a deeper understanding of the intersections of Christian faith, environmental sustainability, and climate change. By the end of this course, students will be equipped to think critically about these intersections and develop practical strategies for promoting climate justice and sustainability.

Course Objectives

To understand the biblical teachings on creation and stewardship and their relevance to climate change.
To analyze the scientific foundations of climate change and its impacts on human and natural systems.
To examine Christian ethics and climate justice, including moral and ethical implications of climate change.
To develop community-based climate change initiatives and advocate for climate justice.
To critically evaluate the relationships between Christian faith, environmental sustainability, and climate change.
To design and implement practical strategies for promoting climate justice and sustainability in personal and community contexts.
To develop effective communication skills for advocating for climate justice and sustainability.
To cultivate a deeper understanding of the intersections between Christian faith, environmental sustainability, and climate change.

1. Define key terms and concepts related to Christianity, climate change, and sustainability
2. Explain the biblical and theological foundations for environmental stewardship
3. Discuss the science and impacts of climate change
4. Analyze the role of faith-based organizations in addressing climate change
5. Integrate faith and action on climate change through a capstone project

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Christianity and Climate Change

Topic: Exploring the Intersections of Faith and Environment
Objective: To introduce the relationship between Christianity and climate change
Learning Outcomes: Define the key terms and concepts; explain the importance of exploring the intersections of faith and environment.
Biblical Text: Genesis 1:1-31 (Creation story)
Book Reading: McFague, S. (2008). A new climate for theology: God, the world, and global warming (Chapters 1-2). Fortress Press.
Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the importance of exploring the intersections of faith and environment (500 words). Research and present on a Christian organization addressing climate change

Module 2: Biblical Foundations for the Natural World

Module 3: Christian Theology and Environmental Stewardship

Module 4: Climate Change Science and its Global Impacts

Module 5: Christian Ethics and Climate Justice

Module 6: Christian Mission and Climate Change

Module 7: Sustainable Living and Christian Discipleship

Module 8: Climate Change and Vulnerable Populations

Module 9: Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Module 10: Climate Change and Biodiversity

Module 11: Climate Change and Food Security

Module 12: Climate Change and Technology: Innovative Solutions and Ethical Considerations

Module 13: Intersectionality and Climate Change: Understanding Vulnerabilities and Building Resilience

Module 14: Climate Change Policy, Advocacy, and Activism

Module 15: Climate Change and Global Human Health: Risks, Responses, and Resilience

Module 16: Conclusion and Future Directions: Integrating Faith and Action on Climate Change – Capstone Project

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Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Christianity and Climate Change

Topic: Exploring the Intersections of Faith and Environment

Objective: To introduce the relationship between Christianity and climate change

Learning Outcomes: Define the key terms and concepts; explain the importance of exploring the intersections of faith and environment.

Biblical Text: Genesis 1:1-31 (Creation story)

Book Reading: McFague, S. (2008). A new climate for theology: God, the world, and global warming (Chapters 1-2). Fortress Press.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the importance of exploring the intersections of faith and environment (500 words). Research and present on a Christian organization addressing climate change

Module 2: Biblical Foundations for the Natural World

Topic: Exploring Biblical Teachings on Creation and Stewardship

Objective: To examine biblical teachings on creation and stewardship

Learning Outcomes: Explain biblical teachings on creation and stewardship; discuss the implications for Christian environmental ethics.

Biblical Text: Psalm 24:1-2 (The earth is the Lord’s)

Book Reading: Habel, N. C. (2009). An inconvenient text: Is a green reading of the Bible possible? (Chapters 1-2). Fortress Press.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on biblical teachings on creation and stewardship (500 words). Create a visual project illustrating biblical teachings on creation and stewardship.

Module 3: Christian Theology and Environmental Stewardship

Topic: Exploring Christian Theological Perspectives on Environmental Stewardship.

Objective: To examine Christian theological perspectives on environmental stewardship.

Learning Outcomes: Explain Christian theological perspectives on environmental stewardship; discuss the implications for Christian environmental ethics.

Biblical Text: Romans 8:18-25 (Creation’s hope).

Book Reading: Santmire, H. P. (2014). The travail of nature: The ambiguous ecological promise of Christian theology (Chapters 1-2). Fortress Press.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on Christian theological perspectives on environmental stewardship (500 words). Research and present on a Christian theologian’s perspective on environmental stewardship.

Module 4: Climate Change Science and its Global Impacts

Topic: Understanding Climate Change Science and its Global Impacts.

Objective: To understand the science behind climate change and its global impacts.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the science behind climate change; discuss the global impacts of climate change.

Book Reading: IPCC (2021). Climate change 2021: The physical science basis (Chapters 1-2). Cambridge University Press.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the science behind climate change and its global impacts (500 words). Research and present on a climate change-related topic.

Module 5: Christian Ethics and Climate Justice

Topic: Exploring Christian Ethics and Climate Justice.

Objective: To examine Christian ethics and climate justice.

Learning Outcomes: Explain Christian ethics and climate justice; discuss the implications for Christian environmental ethics.

Biblical Text: Matthew 25:31-46 (Care for the least of these).

Book Reading: Northcott, M. S. (2013). A political theology of climate change (Chapters 1-2). SPCK.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on Christian ethics and climate justice (500 words). Research and present on a Christian organization addressing climate justice.

Module 6: Christian Mission and Climate Change

Topic: Exploring Christian Mission and Climate Change

Objective: To examine Christian mission and climate change.

Learning Outcomes: Explain Christian mission and climate change; discuss the implications for Christian environmental ethics.

Biblical Text: Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission).

Book Reading: Padilla, C. R. (2010). Mission between the times: Essays on the kingdom (Chapters 1-2). Langham Global Library.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on Christian mission and climate change (500 words). Research and present on a Christian mission organization addressing climate change.

Module 7: Sustainable Living and Christian Discipleship

Topic: Exploring Sustainable Living and Christian Discipleship.

Objective: To examine sustainable living and Christian discipleship.

Learning Outcomes: Explain sustainable living and Christian discipleship; discuss the implications for Christian environmental ethics.

Biblical Text: Matthew 6:25-34 (Do not worry about tomorrow).

Book Reading: Sleeth, M. (2007). Serve God, save the planet: A Christian call to action (Chapters 1-2). Zondervan.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on sustainable living and Christian discipleship (500 words). Create a personal sustainability plan.

Module 8: Climate Change and Vulnerable Populations

Topic: Exploring Climate Change and Vulnerable Populations.

Objective: To examine the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations; discuss the importance of climate justice.

Biblical Text: Psalm 82:3-4 (Defend the weak and the fatherless).

Book Reading: Schipper, E. L. F., & Burton, I. (Eds.). (2009). The Earthscan reader on adaptation to climate change (Chapters 1-2). Earthscan.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on climate change and vulnerable populations (500 words). Research and present on a climate change-related project addressing vulnerable populations.

Module 9: Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Topic: Exploring Climate Change and Sustainable Development.

Objective: To examine the relationship between climate change and sustainable development.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the relationship between climate change and sustainable development; discuss the importance of sustainable development in addressing climate change.

Biblical Text: Genesis 2:15 (Till and keep the garden).

Book Reading: United Nations Development Programme. (2015). Human development report 2015: Work for human development (Chapters 1-2). UNDP.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on climate change and sustainable development (500 words). Research and present on a sustainable development project addressing climate change.

Module 10: Climate Change and Biodiversity

Topic: Exploring Climate Change and Biodiversity

Objective: To examine the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the impacts of climate change on biodiversity; discuss the importance of conservation efforts.

Biblical Text: Psalm 104:24-25 (How many are your works, Lord!).

Book Reading: Lovejoy, T. E., & Hannah, L. (Eds.). (2019). Biodiversity and climate change: Transforming the biosphere (Chapters 1-2). Yale University Press.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on climate change and biodiversity (500 words). Research and present on a conservation project addressing climate change.

Module 11: Climate Change and Food Security

Topic: Exploring Climate Change and Food Security

Objective: To examine the impacts of climate change on food security.

Learning Outcomes: Explain the impacts of climate change on food security; discuss the importance of sustainable agriculture.

Biblical Text: Matthew 14:13-21 (Feeding the 5,000).

Book Reading: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2020). The state of food security and nutrition in the world (Chapters 1-2). FAO.

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on climate change and food security (500 words). Research and present on a sustainable agriculture project addressing climate change.

Module 12: Climate Change and Technology: Innovative Solutions and Ethical Considerations