As theologians have responded to the injustices and harm of human-made ecological crises, climate catastrophes, and social inequities, a variety of critical and constructive theologies have emerged. The theologians studied in this course are rooted in Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish traditions, with an emphasis on ecofeminist, ecowomanist, queer ecotheologies, and Native American theologies. This course will be conducted in a seminar style. We will all be researchers, teachers, and learners together. Each student will research one current ecological justice issue as a conversation partner for the theologies we will study. We will also inquire about the implications of these theological projects for liturgical practices, congregational mission, and the students’ own constructive theological work where applicable. Weekly meditation in nature, weekly reading assignments, course discussions, group work, two synthesis papers, and a final project are required.
It would be helpful but not essential to have taken Unitarian Universalist Theologies or a systematic theology class prior to the beginning of this class. If you haven’t had an introductory theology class, read A House for Hope: The Promise of Progressive Religion for the Twenty-first Century by John Buehrens and Rebecca Parker before the first day of class
This course addresses Threshold Six: Thea/ology in Culture & Context and Threshold Two: Prophetic Witness & Work as well as Ministerial Fellowship Competencies: 1. Worship and Rites of Passage 4. Social Justice in the Public Square and 7. Leads the Faith into the Future. Appropriate for MDiv and MASC students. Enrollment Max: 20
