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

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
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. Kateřina Hendrychová
Supplier department: Department of Environmental Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Fri 27. 9. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 4. 10. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 11. 10. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 18. 10. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 25. 10. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 1. 11. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 8. 11. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 15. 11. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 22. 11. 10:00–11:40 P24a, Fri 29. 11. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 6. 12. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 13. 12. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527, Fri 20. 12. 10:00–11:40 Studio 527
Prerequisites (in Czech)
TYP_STUDIA(N)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 18 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 6/18, only registered: 0/18, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/18
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The main goal of the seminar is to introduce students to a specific theological perspective on the relationship of humans to nature and to make available to them the basic ideas underlying environmentally oriented theology. In this seminar we will look at two books, The Reenchantment of Nature: the Denial of Religion and the Ecological Crisis by Alister McGrath (1953-) and Regaining Compassion for Humanity and Nature by Charles Birch (1918-2009). The common feature of these books is not only a strong interest in nature and a proper relationship to nature. They also reflect the grounding of both authors in the world of natural science and religion. Alister McGrath earned a PhD in  molecular biophysics and then pursued a career in theology. Charles Birch was a geneticist who worked in population ecology, a thinker heavily influenced by process theology, and one of the pioneers of ecotheological thought. A wide range of themes are found in these works - including the Christian doctrine of creation, Christian responses to the environmental crisis, critiques of mechanistic worldviews, the need for a reenchanted worldview, and a compassionate approach to people and nature.
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
  • 27. 9. Introductory seminar lesson 4. 10. The Meaning of Life and Other Enigmas (s. 1-25); 11. 10. Respect for Nature: Christianity and Ecological Concern (s. 26-52); 18. 10. A Manifesto to Exploit: The Enlightement and the Master Race (s. 53-76); 25. 10. The Faustian Pact: Technology and the Domination of Nature (s. 77-99); 1. 11. The Mechanical Universe and the Desacralization of Nature (s. 100-127); 8. 11. Dissatisfaction with Spiritual Emptiness: The Longing for Reenchantment (s. 128-149); 15. 11. Disenchanting Nature: The Case or Richard Dawkins (s. 150-168), Reenchanting Nature: Dawkins, Keats and the Rainbow (s. 169-186); 22. 11. A New Consciousness (s. 19-69); 29. 11. A New Way of Living (s. 71-106); 6. 12. The World is to Be Saved (s. 107-156); 13. 12. Order and Change (s.157-189); 20. 12. Human Response to Change; At-one-ment (s. 191-237)
Literature
    required literature
  • Regaining Compassion for Humanity and Nature. Charles Birch. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1993, 251. ISBN 0-8272-3214-4.
  • The Reenchantment of naturethe denial of religion and the ecological crisis. Edited by Alister E. McGrath. 1st Galilee ed. New York: Doubleday/Galilee, 2002, xviii, 221. ISBN 0385500602. info
Teaching methods
Discussion with students, analysis of texts, feedback on presentations
Assessment methods
Presentation and seminar essay
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Information on course enrolment limitations: Minimální počet zapsaných studentů 5.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2020, Autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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