Christianity & Ecology

We focus on Catholic theology and ecojustice under the leadership of Pope Francis, especially with attention to his encyclical letter, Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home (2015). The influence of this encyclical is widespread, including responses from other religions and transformative action led by the Laudato Si’ Movement. Through the lens of “integral ecology,” this document expands understandings of social justice to incorporate ecosystems and all forms of life.

We focus on the impact of the Protestant Reformation movements in Christianity, especially with regard to their positions on the natural world as God’s creation. In the 16th Century, the Reformation opened new theological directions and institutional formations that have shaped human-Earth relations into the present. Christianity began to be guided by a broader community-church leadership as reformers engaged scripture and the natural world.

We explore topics of significance for contemporary Christianity, namely environmental justice and the roles of women in Christianity and ecology. Building on Christian concepts of social justice, ecojustice has emerged in response to disproportionate environmental harms faced by marginalized communities. This integration of environmental and social issues affirms the writings, practices, and experiences of women in Christianity worldwide.

We explore emerging Christian perspectives regarding food, agriculture, animals, and biodiversity. We place this in the context of a “communion of subjects” affirming the profound interconnection of all life. We highlight emerging theological ethics and engaged religious action in response to the climate emergency.

How might Christianity flourish in relation to scientific insights about evolution? In this module, the first section focuses on the influence of Thomas Berry and a New Story. This evolutionary story is a context for human flourishing, an orientation for Christianity, and an inspiration for other religious traditions in a planetary era. The second section focuses on forms of worship that emphasize the sacred relationship between Human, Earth, and Cosmos.