Search

294 items
list | grid

294 items

  • Evangelical Christians and the Environment: “Christians for the Mountains” and the Appalachian Movement against Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining

    This source deals with past research that connects Evangelicalism with anti-environmental values. The organization “Christians for the Mountains” seems to be contradictory to this prior research. Through a variety of qualitative methods, this research paper goes into the actual attitudes at play and how this might apply more broadly

  • Magic Mushrooms in Religion and Alchemy

    This book discusses the roles that the fly agaric mushroom played in human perceptions of God through many religions. The same religious practices and stories present in some of the most prevalent religions of today can be explained by the beliefs held about Amanita muscaria. As it was thought to be eaten by the Gods, when humans consume it, they become closer to the divine.

  • Our common home

    This is a booklet guide to caring for our living planet created through a joint initiative of the Holy See and Stockholm Environment Institute. This booklet contains ten sections detailing topics such as climate, air, water, and actions to combat climate change. It was partly inspired by and contains quotes from Pope Francis' Laudato Si'.

  • The Case for Animal Spirituality - Part 1: Conceptual Challenges, Methodological Considerations, and the Question of Animal Consciousness

    This article, written by Paul Cunningham, explores the case for nonhuman animal spirituality. Spirituality goes beyond language, reflective consciousness, or conceptual thought. Animal spirituality and participation in religious phenomena are growing areas of research at the intersection of animal studies and religious studies, this article is a small but emerging subfield of the subfield.

  • Sustainability and Climate in Religion: A case of study of the Green Churches Network in Africa (toile des Églises vertes en Afrique) TEVA

    This article is about the consciousness of the World Council of Churches and the engagement of the churches in Africa. The article highlights ecological issues of churches, specifically churches in Africa. The article goes into The Green Church Network in Africa (TEVA) and their commitment to care for the Earth while. The article points out socio-economic, political, and pastoral difficulties in the network of churches and the Green Church's commitment to communities.

  • Evangelical Lutheran Church Statement on the Environment

    Through their statement, the Evangelical Lutheran Church makes stances on how they view the environmental crisis we are now facing in the world. They mention our increasing need for sustainability of our natural resources among other issues while reminding christians of their role with God's creation. Overall, this statement is used as a "call for action" by the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

    "Humans, in service to God, have special roles on behalf of the whole of creation. Made in the image of God, we are called to care for the earth as God cares for the earth. God's command to have dominion and subdue the earth is not a license to dominate and exploit. Human dominion (Gen 1:28; Pss 8), a special responsibility, should reflect God's way of ruling as a shepherd king who takes the form of a servant (Phil 2:7), wearing a crown of thorns."

  • Rethinking Christian Stewardship: An Interview with Tri Robinson by Jim Pool

    In this article, Tri Robinson, the founding pastor of Vineyard church in Boise, Idaho, talks about his experience leading his congregation in an environmentally-friendly way. He found that once his congregation started doing more to help the environment, including creating a recycling program and helping with disaster relief from hurricane Katrina, he received a large amount of positive attention from various organizations. He believes that regardless of political affiliation, Christians are called to address the issues facing the environment. He believes helping the planet is not a political agenda, but a biblical one.

  • Buddhists Must Awaken to the Ecological Crisis

    David Loy's article analyzes the connection between Buddhist teachings and their inherent detachment to the current mounting ecological crisis. Loy argues that the Buddhist religion allows for a joint individual and social transformation known as the Bodhisattva. He emphasizes that instead of adhering to the principles of traditional Buddhism and modern Buddhism that undervalue environmental and social involvement, Buddhists should adhere to the teachings of Bodhisattvas.

  • Mindfulness and Sustainability: How to Practice for the Planet

    Kat Smith at LiveKindly discusses the connection between mindfulness and sustainability, and how developing a regular mindfulness practice can inspire eco-friendly habits. She explains the process of mindfulness meditation, including its roots in Buddhism and purpose of increasing awareness of your surroundings and personal feelings. She argues that because meditation makes us more mindful of our actions, this mindfulness can manifest itself in our daily actions, strengthening our attention and awareness of what we do and leading to more environmentally conscious decisions. She then provides resources and advice on how to better meditate and become more conscious about your decisions and their impact on the environment.

  • Diocese of Southern Ohio Energy Plan

    The Diocese of Southern Ohio posted a plan to help congregations and households with their energy bill. It was titled, An Energy Plan: Taking Action Today Results in a Better Tomorrow, and gives tips and important questions to ask when discussing your electric and gas bill. It also provides instructions on how to develop an Energy Plan to ultimately save energy and money.

  • Personal and Planetary Well-being: Mindfulness Meditation, Pro-environmental Behavior and Personal Quality of Life in a Survey from the Social Justice and Ecological Sustainability Movement

    This report analyzes the interconnectedness between mindful meditation, ecologically sustainable behavior, and subjective well-being. While other works have suggested that transitioning to ecologically sustainable behavior may diminish subjective well-being due to mass alterations in consumer behavior, this particular thesis argues that under specified circumstances, sustainable behavior may improve subject well-being. Ultimately, the search for personal well-being can be found outside of our normalized consumer culture, and establishing a relationship with nature has the potential to lead to ecologically sustainable behavior as well as subjective well-being.

  • Outdoor sanctuaries: Churches find potential in their property

    This article describes efforts being made within multiple Presbyterian congregations to create natural spaces as part of their ministry. Locations in New Jersey, Washington, and Nebraska have all been revolutionized by these nature programs. This has contributed to sustainability, education, and fellowship.

  • Religion and attitudes toward the environment: a comparison of Mormons and the general U.S. population

    This text discusses environmental issues and contemporary Mormon beliefs on these issues in comparison to that of the general U.S. population. Mormon views that paint them as anti-environmentalist are examined, as are esteemed essays from Mormon officials who support environmentalism. Mormon environmental concern is analyzed alongside differing communities.

  • Addressing 21st Century Challenges- AIPAC

    This document provides a statement for how AIPAC will work with the US to create more sustainable technology. It states that Israel is very efficient in the way they use energy.

  • Seattle University Becomes the First Catholic, Jesuit University to Fully Divest from Fossil Fuels

    "As of June 30, 2023, Seattle University (SU) has withdrawn all investments in fossil fuel companies from its endowment portfolio, becoming the first university in Washington state and the first Catholic, Jesuit university in the country to fulfill their commitment to divest from fossil fuels. SU is now charting a new course of socially conscious investing.

    SU is a leader in the divestment and sustainability movements globally and nationally. In 2018, SU became the first Jesuit university in the country to pledge 100 percent withdrawal from publicly traded fossil fuel investments. Since then, six other Jesuit universities followed SU’s lead and made some level of commitment to divest, according to the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities..."

  • Nature & the Environment

    This statement, from the World Zoroastrian Organization, details the environmental perspectives, values, and practices in Zoroastrianism. The web page makes it clear that Zoroastrianism is largely grounded in a heightened environmental consciousness.

  • The Pope is Concerned About Climate Change: How Do U.S. Catholics Feel About It?

    This recent study performed by Pew Research Center found that contrary to popular belief, Catholics in the United States are no more likely than Americans overall to view climate change as a serious issue (57%). Additionally, similar to splits observed in the wider U.S. population, views among Catholics differ based on age, race, and political views. Adults in the U.S. who are 49 or younger, Democratic, or identify as a race or ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White, are generally more likely than those who are 50 or older, Republican, or White to express concern about climate change. They are also significantly more likely to believe climate change is primarily caused by human activity. Ultimately, this study provides evidence that climate concern is more strongly tied to political partisanship rather than religion.

  • Protecting nature, act of faith: Muslim women are leading the charge on climate activism

    In this news article and accompanying interview, by the Canadian Broadcasting Association (CBC), they highlight a Muslim women, Memona Hossain, who identifies as a Muslim activist. In her research, she has found that religion can play a significant role in climate activism, often viewing it as empowerment, as a lot of the Muslim women she interviewed were involved with climate action because of their faith. These women believed that protecting nature was a form of worship and that they needed to take care of this gift from Allah, the Arabic word for God.

  • Sisters of Loretto permanently preserve 650 acres of 'holy land' in Kentucky

    This article, published in EarthBeat, explains recent conservation action taken by the Sisters of Loretto in Kentucky. The Sisters of Loretto entered into a voluntary agreement called a conservation easement. By doing so, the Sisters of Loretto have protected 654 acres of land surrounding their motherhouse. The agreement requires that the land currently being used as farmland must stay available for farming. Furthermore, it states that the forest cannot be removed for farming reasons, and no commercial or residential development may happen if it causes issues for the woodlands, watersheds, and streams on the land. This effort is one of many that the Sisters of Loretto have undertaken as part of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.

  • A Movement Is Born: Environmental Justice and the UCC

    After the ban of PCBs in the late 1970s, a landfill in Warren County, North Carolina had been designated as a place of disposal. This county had one of the highest rates of black residents, as well as poverty rates. This sparked leaders in the United Church of Christ including Dollie Burwell, Rev. Leon White, Rev. Benjamin Chavis Jr. and the UCC’s Commission for Racial Justice to become a leading force in the environmental justice movement. This article highlights the work of these leaders in fighting against environmental racism.

  • Embracing Mystery in the Search for Truth

    This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores what truth really is, as well as the relationship between science and faith. To discuss this, the author addresses how people create and understand meaning and their spirituality. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "The evolution of the human brain over the course of history has permitted the mind to achieve consciousness—an awareness of ourselves and the universe that prompts humanity to question the mystery of our own experiences. The complex nature of the brain, according to author Diane Ackerman is 'to liken and learn, never resist a mystery, and question everything, even itself' (Ackerman, 2004). All forms of knowledge and discovery are ultimately based on unverifiable presuppositions, and an element of uncertainty is present whether it be in the field of scientific research, theological beliefs, or artistic expression. Perhaps then, just as multiple instruments and notes are woven together to form a complete sonata, multiple disciplines, perspectives, and ideas can provide a more holistic understanding of the world. There are certain mysterious qualities of the human experience that cannot be reduced to a single concrete understanding of truth. However, this does not imply that truth and morality are purely relative. One can appreciate multiple lenses when understanding the phenomena of our own existence, yet still recognize that truth and understanding are not purely subjective and some ideas hold more merit than others. There is beauty in the never-ending journey towards understanding ourselves and the world we live in—after all, the very process of science induces new discoveries and understandings that then lead to even bigger questions and mysteries."

  • Groundhogs, Integral Ecology, and the Meaning of Life

    This chapter from the student-written book "Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America" explores the values that guide our morality through the framework of the 1993 film Groundhog Day. It discusses ideas of rebirth, hope, and living by virtues. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "Every year, my family hosts a celebration that emphasizes hope, freedom from depression, and a love of Creation. This celebration is so intense and widespread that there is not a soul who has known my family for a full year who doesn’t know of it. Most calendars name this holiday on February second Groundhog Day. We have erroneously called it 'Groundhog’s Day' since we began celebrating it over 15 years ago, which is likely a Freudian slip to show that the day belongs to the rodents, not to us. Many people are surprised when they step into my house in the month of January, as they find a groundhog flag, a dozen groundhog plushies, Bible verses about hope hung on the walls, live plants with twinkle lights, and hundreds of cupcakes and cookies decorated to look like groundhogs. Often, the movie Groundhog Day (Ramis, 1993) will be playing on the TV. This is not simply because the movie is about groundhogs, but because it represents many of the values my family celebrates: overcoming the depression of a selfish lifestyle, embracing our creative leanings, and finding worth and pleasure in doing good for others. February second reminds us that by abandoning ideals of egoistic hedonism and embracing a life of virtue, we will not only see our own lives grow richer and more joyful, but the social and ecological world around us will flourish as well."

  • Manifest Destiny: The American Dream or an Ecological Crisis?

    This chapter from the student-written book "Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America" explores the history of colonial expansion and the concept of manifest destiny in the US. It examines the environmental impacts as well as the religious motivations behind this course of action. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "A quintessential part of the “American dream” is freedom. Whether it be freedom of religion, freedom of speech, or simply freedom to pursue one’s own dreams, Americans have always idolized the United States as a sort of utopia for individual freedom. 'Manifest destiny' is a mindset that embodies this belief. A staple term in every elementary, middle, and high school student’s American history textbook, it might be considered the epitome of what it meant to be American at the start of American imperialism. The idea of manifest destiny gained popularity in the mid-19th century and was built upon the notion of freedom. Advocates for manifest destiny believed that Americans were free, even bound by fate, to conquer the North American continent and expand the realm of democratic republicanism and Christianity. Under the guise of religious, political, and economic motivations, manifest destiny allowed Americans to pursue the 'American dream' and subdue the 'wild west.' The environmental and humanitarian implications of manifest destiny were frequently overlooked or not considered, resulting in ideology that still today seeps into our behaviors and perceptions regarding domination and superiority."

  • The Spirituality of Art: Finding God at the End of a Paintbrush

    This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” discusses how exploring the arts and your passions can help connect to yourself, nature, and your spirituality. The author discusses her personal experience with creating art in nature and how this can make one feel more connected to their surroundings. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "What did I get myself into? These were the first thoughts in my head as I squinted to get a better look at the glacier I was supposed to hike up to… almost too far away to see. With a group of other artists, I was supposed to trek up the steep side of a mountain to Lake Louise and the receding glacier behind it around 8,000 feet above sea level. Here in the Wind River Range in Central Wyoming, the nearest town was a couple hours away so there was no turning back now. We gathered our tripods, panels, brushes, and paint and hoisted our art supplies onto our backs and strapped bear spray to our fronts for easy reach. It was my first ‘advanced’ Plein Air hike, and I was about to discover just how difficult this art form was!"

  • Reconnecting with Creation through Regenerative Agriculture

    This chapter from the student-written book "Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America" discusses the importance of proper soil treatment in agriculture and how to connect with nature and spirituality through growing. It explores proper agricultural practices and agricultural history to do so. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "For tens of thousands of years, humans have survived in many environments all around the world. Through thick and thin, humans have been able to fight against predators, weather, and starvation. The unlikely survival of humans can be heavily attributed to one thing: agriculture. With a stable food source, people have been able to do almost everything, live almost anywhere, and support billions of hungry stomachs all across the world. Agriculture is the science of cultivating plants or animals for human use, and it hasn’t changed much since the beginning. Starting around 9500 BCE, humans planted crops for a controlled harvest, planting rice, grains, and chickpeas for stable and healthy societies in the Middle East. Almost 12,000 years later, I continue to perform the same actions in my own backyard, with very little changes."