ENSn4670 Christianity and Environmental Ethics – Two Theological Views on Human-Nature Relationship

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2020
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Jan Zámečník, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. Karel Stibral, Ph.D.
Department of Environmental Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Kristína Markechová
Supplier department: Department of Environmental Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Tue 12:00–13:40 U44
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The main goal of this seminar is to acquaint students with two important theological views on the human-nature relationship and to help them understand the basic concepts on which environmental theology is based. James A. Nash interprets and develops the Christian tradition in a "more classical" way, while Jay B. McDaniel represents postmodern process theology that is influenced by feminism and Buddhism. Because we have chosen two different approaches, students will be able to become acquainted with the diversity found in ecotheological thinking.
Learning outcomes
After completing the seminar, students will be able to orient themselves in the basic topics of environmental theology and their deeper connections with the Christian tradition. They will also gain experience in reading theological texts in English.
Syllabus
  • 1) Dimensions and dillemmas of the ecological crisis
  • 2) The ecological complaint against Christianity
  • 3) Doctrines of creation, covenant, divine image, incarnation and spiritual presence
  • 4) Doctrines of sin, judgment, redemption, and church
  • 5) Christian love in an ecological context
  • 6) Love as ecological justice
  • 7) Political directions for ecological integrity
  • 8) A life-centered God
  • 9) A life-centered ethic
  • 10) A life-centered spirituality
  • 11) A postpatriarchal Christianity
Literature
    recommended literature
  • MCDANIEL, Jay B. Of God and pelicans : a theology of reverence for life. 1st ed. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1989, 168 s. ISBN 0664250769. info
  • NASH, James A. Loving nature : ecological integrity and Christian responsibility. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1991, 256 p. ISBN 0687228247. info
Teaching methods
Discussion with students, analysis of texts, feedback on presentations
Assessment methods
Presentation and seminar essay
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught only once.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2020, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2020/ENSn4670