LOVING THE NATURAL WORLD, JOHN 3: 16: A CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

About Course

This comprehensive course explores how much God loves and cares for the world, emphasizing humans’ responsibility to care for the planet. Through a biblical lens, students will examine how Jesus demonstrated a deep respect for the natural world, often using nature imagery in his parables and spending time outdoors, signifying that he considered the Earth and all its creatures as part of God’s creation, which humans are called to care for and steward responsibly. This portrayal conveys a powerful message: caring for the environment is an act of reverence towards God. Key topics include biblical teachings on creation care, human impact on biodiversity, conservation biology, environmental policy, sustainable communities, and environmental justice. Through engaging lectures, readings, discussions, and practical activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of faith, science, and the natural world, and develop the skills to integrate faith and science in addressing pressing environmental issues. This will equip students to make a positive environmental impact, guided by a Christian worldview.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Analyze biblical teachings on creation care and biodiversity conservation.
Evaluate the impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Develop effective strategies for promoting sustainability and conservation.
Apply Christian principles to real-world environmental challenges.
Integrate faith and science in addressing environmental issues.

1. Demonstrate a deep understanding of biblical teachings on creation care and biodiversity conservation.
2. Analyze the moral and ethical implications of environmental degradation.
3. Develop a comprehensive plan for loving and caring for the natural world.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of different conservation strategies.
5. Apply Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.
6. Integrate faith and science in addressing real-world environmental challenges.
7. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in addressing environmental issues.
8. Develop a personal theology of creation care and biodiversity conservation.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Loving the Natural World (John 3:16)

Topic: Topic: Introduction to “Loving the Natural World”. Biblical teachings on creation care and biodiversity conservation.
Objective: Analyze biblical teachings on creation care and biodiversity conservation.
Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate a deep understanding of biblical teachings on creation care and biodiversity conservation.
Biblical Texts: Genesis 1:26-31 – God’s creation mandate (Humanity’s role as stewards of God’s creation.)
Book Reading: – Wright, C. J. H. (2004). Old Testament ethics for the people of God. IVP Academic. (Chapter 1)
Book Reading: Wilkinson, L. (2012). A biblical approach to environmental issues. In R. J. Berry (Ed.), The care of creation: Focusing concern and action (pp. 11-30). IVP Academic.
Assignment: Reflect on personal experiences with nature and how they relate to biblical teachings on creation care. Take a 30-minute walk in a nearby park or nature reserve, observing and recording the different types of plants and animals.

Module 2: Biblical Teachings on Creation Care

Module 3: Human Impact on Biodiversity

Module 4: Conservation Strategies

Module 5: Sustainability and Development

Module 6: Climate Change and Christian Faith

Module 7: Environmental Justice and Christian Faith

Topic: Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.
Objective: Apply Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.
Learning Outcomes: Apply Christian principles to promote environmental justice.
Biblical Texts: Leviticus 19:9-10 – God’s concern for the poor and the land (God’s concern for the well-being of the poor and the land.)
Books Reading: Bullard, R. D. (2000). Dumping in Dixie: Race, class, and environmental quality. Westview Press. (Chapter 1)
Wilkinson, L. (2012). A biblical approach to environmental issues. In R. J. Berry (Ed.), The care of creation: Focusing concern and action (pp. 11-30). IVP Academic.
Assignment: Evaluate the relationship between environmental justice and Christian faith. Research and create a list of environmental justice organizations in your local community.

Module 8: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Module 9: Water Conservation and Management

Topic: Water Conservation and Management: Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.
Objective: Apply Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.
Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness of water conservation and management strategies.
Biblical Texts: Psalm 104:10-13 – God’s provision of water (God’s provision and care for creation.)
Books Reading: – Gleick, P. H. (2014). The world’s water: The biennial report on freshwater resources. Island Press. (Chapter 1)
Wilkinson, L. (2012). A biblical approach to environmental issues. In R. J. Berry (Ed.), The care of creation: Focusing concern and action (pp. 11-30). IVP Academic.
Assignment: Develop a plan for promoting water conservation and management. Conduct a water audit in your home and identify areas for water conservation.

Module 10: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Topic: Effectiveness of energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies.
Objective: Develop effective strategies for promoting sustainability and conservation.
Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness of energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies.
Biblical Texts: Psalm 19:1-6 – God’s creation declares His glory (The importance of recognizing God’s glory in creation.)
Books Reading: – Jacobson, M. Z. (2014). 100% clean and renewable wind, water, and sunlight (WWS) all-sector energy roadmaps for 139 countries of the world. Energy & Environmental Science, 7(8), 2522-2540.
Moo, D. J. (2018). Creation care: A biblical theology of the natural world. Zondervan. (Chapter 7)
Assignment: Develop a plan for promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy. Research and create a list of renewable energy sources and their benefits.

Module 11: Waste Management and Reduction

Topic: Effectiveness of waste management and reduction strategies.
Objective: Apply Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.
Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness of waste management and reduction strategies.
Biblical Texts: Matthew 25:31-46 – The parable of the sheep and the goats (Importance of caring for the least of these, including the earth.)
Books Reading: – McDonough, W., & Braungart, M. (2002). Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we make things. North Point Press. (Chapter 1)
Wilkinson, L. (2012). A biblical approach to environmental issues. In R. J. Berry (Ed.), The care of creation: Focusing concern and action (pp. 11-30). IVP Academic.
Assignment: Develop a plan for reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption. Conduct a waste audit in your home and identify areas for waste reduction.

Module 12: Conservation Biology and Biodiversity

Module 13: Environmental Policy and Advocacy

Topic: Effectiveness of environmental policy and advocacy strategies
Objective: Apply Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.
Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness of environmental policy and advocacy strategies.
Biblical Texts: Proverbs 31:8-9 – Speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Importance of advocating for the vulnerable, including the earth.)
Books Reading: – Dryzek, J. S. (2013). The politics of the earth: Environmental discourses. Oxford University Press. (Chapter 1)
Wilkinson, L. (2012). A biblical approach to environmental issues. In R. J. Berry (Ed.), The care of creation: Focusing concern and action (pp. 11-30). IVP Academic.
Assignment: Develop a plan for promoting environmental policy and advocacy. Research and create a list of environmental policy organizations in your local community.

Module 14: Sustainable Communities and Cities

Module 15: Environmental Education and Awareness

Topic: Effectiveness of environmental education and awareness strategies.
Objective: Apply Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.
Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness of environmental education and awareness strategies.
Biblical Texts: Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – Teaching the next generation about God’s creation (The importance of passing on knowledge and values to the next generation.)
Books Reading: – Orr, D. W. (1992). Ecological literacy: Education and the transition to a postmodern world. State University of New York Press. (Chapter 1)
Wilkinson, L. (2012). A biblical approach to environmental issues. In R. J. Berry (Ed.), The care of creation: Focusing concern and action (pp. 11-30). IVP Academic.
Assignment: Develop a plan for promoting environmental education and awareness. Create a social media campaign to raise awareness about an environmental issue.

Module 16: Final Project Presentations

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About Course

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Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Loving the Natural World (John 3:16)

Topic: Topic: Introduction to “Loving the Natural World”. Biblical teachings on creation care and biodiversity conservation.

Objective: Analyze biblical teachings on creation care and biodiversity conservation.

Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate a deep understanding of biblical teachings on creation care and biodiversity conservation.

Biblical Texts: Genesis 1:26-31 – God’s creation mandate (Humanity’s role as stewards of God’s creation.)

Book Reading: – Wright, C. J. H. (2004). Old Testament ethics for the people of God. IVP Academic. (Chapter 1)

Book Reading: Wilkinson, L. (2012). A biblical approach to environmental issues. In R. J. Berry (Ed.), The care of creation: Focusing concern and action (pp. 11-30). IVP Academic.

Assignment: Reflect on personal experiences with nature and how they relate to biblical teachings on creation care. Take a 30-minute walk in a nearby park or nature reserve, observing and recording the different types of plants and animals.

Module 2: Biblical Teachings on Creation Care

Topic: Biblical Teachings on Creation Care

Objective: Analyze biblical teachings on creation care and biodiversity conservation.

Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate a deep understanding of biblical teachings on creation care and biodiversity conservation.

Biblical Texts: Psalm 24:1-2 – God’s ownership of creation (God’s sovereignty over all creation.)

Books Reading: – Wright, C. J. H. (2004). Old Testament ethics for the people of God. IVP Academic. (Chapter 2) – Newell, R. (2019). Imagining the kingdom: How Christians can renew the earth. Cascade Books. (Chapter 1)

Assignment: Analyze biblical teachings on creation care and their implications for environmental conservation. Create a visual representation (e.g. infographic, diagram) of the biblical concept of creation care.

Module 3: Human Impact on Biodiversity

Topic: The impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Objective: Evaluate the impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the moral and ethical implications of environmental degradation.

Biblical Texts: Genesis 3:17-19 – Human impact on creation (The consequences of human sin on the natural world.)

Books Reading: – Wilson, E. O. (2002). The future of life. Vintage Books. (Chapter 1) – Myers, N. (2002). Biodiversity and ecosystem services. In R. J. Berry (Ed.), The care of creation: Focusing concern and action (pp. 53-76). IVP Academic.

Assignment: Evaluate the impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Conduct a personal ecological footprint analysis and create a plan to reduce your impact.

Module 4: Conservation Strategies

Topic: Strategies for promoting sustainability and conservation.

Objective: Develop effective strategies for promoting sustainability and conservation.

Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness of different conservation strategies.

Biblical Texts: Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of the talents (The importance of responsible stewardship of resources.)

Books Reading: – Meine, C. (2010). Correction lines: Essays on land, leopold, and conservation. Island Press. (Chapter 1) – Tearfund. (2019). Restoring creation: A Christian approach to environmental issues. Tearfund. (Chapter 2)

Assignment: Develop a conservation strategy for a local ecosystem. Participate in a local conservation effort (e.g. park cleanup, tree planting).

Module 5: Sustainability and Development

Topic: Sustainability and Development: Christian principles to real-world environmental challenges.

Objective: Apply Christian principles to real-world environmental challenges.

Learning Outcomes: Apply Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.

Biblical Texts: Micah 6:8 – God’s requirements for justice and compassion (The importance of justice, compassion, and humility in promoting sustainability and development.)

Books Reading: – Sachs, J. D. (2015). The age of sustainable development. Columbia University Press. (Chapter 1) – Stott, J. (2006). The radical disciple: Some neglected aspects of our calling. IVP Books. (Chapter 5)

Assignment: Evaluate the relationship between sustainability and development. Research and create a list of sustainable development projects in your local community.

Module 6: Climate Change and Christian Faith

Topic: Climate Change and Christian Faith: Integrate faith and science in addressing environmental issues

Objective: Integrate faith and science in addressing environmental issues.

Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in addressing environmental issues.

Biblical Texts: Revelation 11:18 – God’s judgment on those who destroy the earth (God’s concern for the well-being of creation.)

Books Reading: – Hayhoe, K. (2018). Saving us: A climate scientist’s case for hope and healing in a divided world. FaithWords. (Chapter 1) – Moo, D. J. (2018). Creation care: A biblical theology of the natural world. Zondervan. (Chapter 6)

Assignment: Develop a plan for reducing carbon footprint. Conduct a home energy audit and create a plan to reduce energy consumption.

Module 7: Environmental Justice and Christian Faith

Topic: Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.

Objective: Apply Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.

Learning Outcomes: Apply Christian principles to promote environmental justice.

Biblical Texts: Leviticus 19:9-10 – God’s concern for the poor and the land (God’s concern for the well-being of the poor and the land.)

Books Reading: Bullard, R. D. (2000). Dumping in Dixie: Race, class, and environmental quality. Westview Press. (Chapter 1)

Wilkinson, L. (2012). A biblical approach to environmental issues. In R. J. Berry (Ed.), The care of creation: Focusing concern and action (pp. 11-30). IVP Academic.

Assignment: Evaluate the relationship between environmental justice and Christian faith. Research and create a list of environmental justice organizations in your local community.

Module 8: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Topic: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Effective strategies for promoting sustainability and conservation.

Objective: Develop effective strategies for promoting sustainability and conservation.

Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Biblical Texts: Genesis 2:15 – God’s command to care for the garden (Humanity’s role as caretakers of creation.)

Books Reading: – Jackson, W. (2011). The new roots of agriculture. University of Nebraska Press. (Chapter 1) – Wirzba, N. (2011). Food and faith: A theology of eating. Cambridge University Press. (Chapter 2)

Assignment: Develop a plan for promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems. Visit a local farmer’s market or farm and learn about sustainable agriculture practices.

Module 9: Water Conservation and Management

Topic: Water Conservation and Management: Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.

Objective: Apply Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.

Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness of water conservation and management strategies.

Biblical Texts: Psalm 104:10-13 – God’s provision of water (God’s provision and care for creation.)

Books Reading: – Gleick, P. H. (2014). The world’s water: The biennial report on freshwater resources. Island Press. (Chapter 1)

Wilkinson, L. (2012). A biblical approach to environmental issues. In R. J. Berry (Ed.), The care of creation: Focusing concern and action (pp. 11-30). IVP Academic.

Assignment: Develop a plan for promoting water conservation and management. Conduct a water audit in your home and identify areas for water conservation.

Module 10: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Topic: Effectiveness of energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies.

Objective: Develop effective strategies for promoting sustainability and conservation.

Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness of energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies.

Biblical Texts: Psalm 19:1-6 – God’s creation declares His glory (The importance of recognizing God’s glory in creation.)

Books Reading: – Jacobson, M. Z. (2014). 100% clean and renewable wind, water, and sunlight (WWS) all-sector energy roadmaps for 139 countries of the world. Energy & Environmental Science, 7(8), 2522-2540.

Moo, D. J. (2018). Creation care: A biblical theology of the natural world. Zondervan. (Chapter 7)

Assignment: Develop a plan for promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy. Research and create a list of renewable energy sources and their benefits.

Module 11: Waste Management and Reduction

Topic: Effectiveness of waste management and reduction strategies.

Objective: Apply Christian principles to promote sustainability and conservation.