Western Religions & Ecology

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/western-religions-ecology

Introduction

### Course Review: Western Religions & Ecology #### Overview The course "Western Religions & Ecology" is an intriguing exploration of the interplay between religion and ecology, particularly focused on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. At first glance, one might find it surprising to see these two fields linked, but the course reveals that they are, in fact, deeply interconnected. As we navigate environmental crises, understanding how these religious traditions view humanity's relationship with nature becomes essential. This course aims to inspire students to engage actively in environmental stewardship, emphasizing the unity and interdependence of humans and the natural world. #### Course Structure The syllabus is structured into nine comprehensive modules that provide an in-depth look into each religion's historical roots, beliefs, practices, and contemporary ecological implications. 1. **Course Introduction**: Sets the stage for the connecting themes of religion and ecology, providing students with a foundational understanding. 2. **Judaism**: The first two modules delve into how Jewish scriptures shape an inherent connection to the land, exploring early formation, ecological beliefs, and practices, and their environmental implications. 3. **Christianity**: The next modules examine the role Christianity has played in environmental awareness, including significant teachings from the Catholic encyclical "Laudato Si’," offering insight into its commitment to "integral ecology." 4. **Islam**: Similarly structured, the modules on Islam explore historical roots, concepts such as "tawhid" (unity), and the ecological implications of Islamic teachings and environmental activism, particularly in diverse contexts like Indonesia. 5. **Interreligious Dialogue**: The course culminates in an engaging exploration of how these three faiths can collaborate on environmental issues, featuring case studies and examples of religious environmentalism. #### Strengths of the Course The course excels in its comprehensive approach, blending historical analysis with current ecological practices and activism within the three traditions. The modules are well-organized and progressive, enabling students to build upon their knowledge step by step. The inclusion of contemporary examples and case studies invites students to consider real-world applications of the concepts discussed. Moreover, the course encourages critical thinking about how religious teachings can inform environmental ethics and guide collective action towards a sustainable future. #### Recommendations This course comes highly recommended for anyone interested in environmental studies, religious studies, or sustainability. It is beneficial for students, activists, and professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of how faith traditions can play a crucial role in ecological awareness and activism. Whether you are a believer looking to reconcile your faith with environmentalism, or you simply seek a broader understanding of the connections between religion and ecology, this course will provide valuable insights and actionable knowledge. The course is designed to be accessible, requiring no prior religious knowledge, making it ideal for an interdisciplinary audience. #### Conclusion In summary, "Western Religions & Ecology" stands out as an important and timely course that underscores the necessity of integrating religious perspectives into conversations about environmental issues. Through enlightening content and a thoughtful approach, it encourages us to reflect on our roles as caretakers of the Earth, informed by the rich ecological wisdom found within Western religions. Whether you are looking to enhance your academic knowledge or inspire action in your community, this course is undoubtedly worth enrolling in.

Syllabus

MODULE 1: Course Introduction

Have you ever wondered how the Jewish scriptures, or Torah, oriented Judaism towards an inherent and deep connection to land? In this module, the first section focuses on the early formation of what would become Judaism. The second section focuses on the specific beliefs and practices in Judaism and their environmental implications.

This week we focus on multiple religious implications in Judaism of orienting, grounding, nurturing, and transforming. Three modules explore: first, broad environmental activism in Judaism; second, the ways in which rituals and liturgies in Judaism expand environmental empathy and practice; and, third, ways in which Judaism relates to food and animals as part of an environmental ethic.

Have you ever wondered how Christianity might play a role in environmental awareness and restoration? This week explores in three sections ways in which Christianity opens doorways into environmental thought and action. In the first section the focus is on the formation and early figures in Christianity. The second section explores the contributions to environmental insight in the Orthodox Christian tradition. The third section examines the remarkable teachings in the Catholic encyclical, Laudato Si’, and its emphasis on “integral ecology.”

We focus on multiple religious implications in Christianity of orienting, grounding, nurturing, and transforming. We explore: first, forms of Christian environmental activism; second, the ways in which rituals and liturgies in Christianity expand upon ideas and practices in the traditions to ecological empathy and affection; and, third, ways in which Christianity relates to food and animals as part of an environmental ethic.

Have you ever wondered how Islam has fostered environmental awareness historically and in the present? This module includes three sections that respond to this question. In the first section, the focus is on the early formation of Islam and how tawhid, or “unity,” can inspire broad environmental thinking. The second section examines specific beliefs and practices in Islam and their ecological implications. The third section highlights Islamic religious environmentalism in Indonesia.

This module focuses on multiple religious implications in Islam of the concepts of orienting, grounding, nurturing, and transforming. We consider: first, forms of Islamic environmental activism embedded in the doctrine of “trusteeship”; and second, the ways in which Islam relates to food and animals as part of religious ecological ethics.

What would interreligious dialogue on environmental issues look like? This module provides examples of engaged religious environmentalism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The first section explores efforts to restore the Jordan River and to encourage interreligious environmental dialogue. The second section stresses Abrahamic religious efforts to respond to climate emergencies; and the third section provides case studies from each of the Abrahamic religions.