Religion and the Environment
Federal and state environmental laws and regulations are not the only authority for protecting and preserving the environment. Long before our country became concerned about environmental issues, the Bible and sacred texts of other religions have addressed environmental protections, including prohibition against exploitation of natural resources, sustainable development, protection of endangered species and environmental justice.
Long
before our country became concerned about environmental issues, many religions
addressed environmental protection, sustainable development, prohibition
against exploitation of natural resources, protection of endangered species,
and environmental justice issues. Whether you believe the Bible and other
sacred books are the word of God or simply books of wisdom or morality,
the course will be instructive on what our obligations should be towards
the earth and our community.
Historically, the western religions have looked at Creation (the Earth, living things, etc) as being here for the pleasure and profit of humans. They relied on the language in Genesis, which gave humans dominion over the earth. However, when one examines Scriptural passages more closely, what we see is that God thought his Creation was good, had its own value independent of humans and if fact that humans were supposed to act as stewards towards the earth. Eastern religions have a long tradition of recognizing human beings obligations towards the earth.
We have offered a course on the what the Bible tell us about what mankind’s relationship should be with the environment? This course explores the biblical role and responsibility that God has given humans regarding the earth and the environment. We also explore how the Bible uses nature to show us how we should live our lives and how a biblical approach to nature can enhance our relationship with God.
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