THL541 Critical Studies In Ecotheology (16)

CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

This subject examines how a range of Christian theologies respond to the particular public issues surrounding the current global ecological crisis. It looks at various dimensions of the crisis and seeks to provide a methodology by which its elements can be understood theologically. The subject includes the development of an ecological hermeneutic of Scripture and a consideration of how selected doctrines are reframed in order to construct a Christian 'ecotheology'.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

Session 2
Internal	United Theological College
Distance	United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL541

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Enrolment restrictions:

Master of Theology

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to analyse critically the ecological message found within Christian scripture and tradition, with particular reference to its potential ambiguity;
be able to discuss critically the relative merits of several typologies that have shaped Christian ecotheology;
be able to discuss critically a range of theological responses to the current ecological situation;
be able to analyse critically the manner in which an ecological concern informs a number of selected core Christian doctrines;
be able to evaluate critically the way in which Christian ecotheology functions as Public Theology;
be able to discuss Christian ecotheology in the contemporary setting of Australian ecological concerns.

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

The ecological crisis, in both its global and local dimensions;
The ecological heritage of the Christian tradition;
An ecological reading of Scripture;
An ecological reading of creation and the Sabbath;
An ecological reading of the image of God and sin;
An ecological reading of the person and work of the cosmic Christ;
The shape and distinctive emphases of Evangelical, Orthodox, and Feminist Ecotheologies;
The particular ecotheology of a nominated theologian;
The public place and perception of a Christian Ecotheology with particular reference to Australia;
An ecotheological reading of a particular case study;
The intersection of ecotheology and congregational life.

Back