Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Why do religions matter when we talk about environmental problems and solutions?

• The environmental crisis is not simply a political, economic, or technological problem; it is a moral and spiritual call to long-term change.
• Religious narratives resonate with large numbers of people —85% of the world’s population belong to religious communities.
• Religions have educational institutions around the world that can inspire people for an ecologically just future.
• Religious structures and sacred spaces provide a symbolic and practical context for aligning humans with nature.
• Religions have financial assets that can be used for transformative change, such as divestment and reinvestment.

To whom will these courses appeal?

• Lifelong learners curious to know more about world religions and ecology
• Environmental professionals eager to deepen the discourse of environmental protection and conservation
• Those working with non-profit organizations and NGOs on issues of ecological justice, especially where minority communities are adversely affected
• Those involved in education -- College and high school students looking for a broader view of religion and spirituality, teachers developing curriculum,
• Those involved in the world’s religions -- Religious leaders and laity who want to know how they can contribute to interreligious dialogue on environmental issues; Religious communities interested in building engaging projects, such as the restoration of local bioregions.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• Religious communities:

. What ecojustice actions are taking place on in my own religion?
. What can I learn from examples of faith-based action?

• Environmentalists:

. What voices might I learn from in pursuing ecological conservation?
. How is ecojustice contributing to solutions social problems?

• Policy:

. Religions can be active partners in finding eco-solutions. The partnership joins the moral force of faith into eco and climate emergencies.

• Religious:

What environmental activities are going on in my own religious tradition?
What opportunities are there for interreligious engagement?