Studying Religion And The Environment
This volume in the Challenging Knowledge in RE series examines religion and the environment through the lenses of theology and environmental studies. There are case studies of four environmental charities, viewpoints on Earth, nature and the environment voiced by people of different faiths and non-religious worldviews, and a questionnaire leading students to consider and discuss their own thoughts.
A theological approach presents accounts of the creation story in Genesis, and how commentators have explained and responded to that down the ages. Using reference to scripture, students can learn about and explore how Christians and Muslims might view creation and their place within it.
An investigator file introduces students to the discipline of environmental science, then uses it to consider the relationship between humans and the world we live in. Students are posed some challenging questions and scenarios about existing and potential threats to the wellbeing of our environment to draw in analysis from not only scientific perspectives but also religious and ethical ones.
How do theological and scientific knowledge differ and relate? And might natural science documentaries now be taking on a prophetic role?
Our multidisciplinary experts in this book are theologian Dr Simeon Zahl and environmental scientist Dr Alex Hall.
Supporting resources, available in the book and online, provide an abundance of texts, interviews, information and exercises to use in the classroom.
Select a topic to explore resources
- Diving in: studying religion and science
- Case studies: who cares for the environment, and how?
- Green voices: religious and non-religious perspectives on the environment
- Thinking theologically about creation
- Christianity and creation: the language of dominion and stewardship
- How have Christians interpreted Genesis through the ages?
- Creation and the environment: an Islamic perspective
- Investigator file: natural sciences
- Using natural sciences to explore the relationship between people and the environment
- Prophet Attenborough and the scientific blockbuster
External links
- ExternalJo Pearce, Alexis Stones, Michael J. Reiss & Tamjid Mujtaba (2021) ' "Science is purely about the truth so I don’t think you could compare it to non-truth versus the truth." Students’ perceptions of religion and science, and the relationship(s) between them: religious education and the need for epistemic literacy', British Journal of Religious Education, 43:2, 174-189
- ExternalEpistemic Insight project – essential theoretical and practical help for handling religion and science in the classroom
External links
- ExternalFriends of the Earth UK
- ExternalIFEES/EcoIslam
- ExternalA Rocha UK
- ExternalEcoSikh
eResources
- InternalWho cares for the environment, and how?Explore how different faiths and charities care for the environment through case studies, fostering student engagement and ethical reflection on ecological issues.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- InternalWho cares for the environment, and how?Explore how different faiths and charities care for the environment through case studies, fostering student engagement and ethical reflection on ecological issues.
External links
- ExternalTurtles and tortoises: goodbye (Flora Ihlow et al, 'On the brink of extinction? How climate change may affect global chelonian species richness and distribution', Global Change Biology, Wiley Online Library)
- ExternalMelting ice, rising sea levels (World Wildlife Fund)
- ExternalD’Bone Collector Museum, Philippines: where the whale necropsy was carried out. FaceBook page links to YouTube videos with films about the whale necropsy (post: 20 February 2020) and other marine pollution images and videos (NB some of these graphically convey the effect of marine pollution on animals: including footage of the necropsies in progress, so consider the suitability for your pupils)
- ExternalTime is running out (Elliott Negin, 9 April 2020 'Ask a Scientist: 2030 or Bust? What is the Importance of the Year 2030 Climatewise?', The Equation)
- ExternalPlay the perfect game (Bill McKibben, 7 January 2021 'Our Best Chance to Slow Global Warming Comes in the Next Nine Years', The New Yorker)
- ExternalGreta Thunberg: famous face of climage rage (YouTube: Greta Thunberg's speech at UN Climate Action Summit, Sept 2019)
- ExternalDavid Attenborough – Humanist prophet (15 April 2020 'David Attenborough on How Our Changing Climate Affects Wildlife', Nature)
- ExternalPope Francis – the earth sustains our life (Robin Gomes, 22 April 2020 'Pope at audience on Earth Day: common action needed to protect “our garden-home” ', Vatican News)
eResources
- InternalReligious teachings on how humans should treat each other and the EarthSummary of religious teachings on ethics.
- InternalGreen religions? Perspectives from religious and non-religious worldviewsPerspectives on environmentalism in religions.
- InternalGreen issues: will you argue, rant, preach or prophesy?Engaging students with environmental discussions.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- InternalWhat do you think about green issues?encourages discussion on environmental ethics.
- InternalREinterest pagesEngaging resources to spark interest in RE.
External Links
eResources
- Internal
Investigator files: Theology (CKRE vol 3) (4.1)Exploring the theological perspectives on environmental ethics, stewardship, and moral responsibility.
eResource
- InternalChristianity and creation: taking it furtherFurther exploration of Christianity and creation.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- Internal
Christianity and creation: the language of dominion and stewardshipExplore Christian concepts of dominion and stewardship in relation to creation and environmental responsibility.
eResources
- InternalGenesis 1:1-2:3Genesis creation narrative explored.
- InternalGenesis 2:4-25Genesis creation narrative explored.
- InternalExtended extracts from GenesisExtended extracts from Genesis, exploring creation narratives and their theological implications.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- Internal
How have Christians interpreted Genesis through the ages? Overview (p. 16)Overview of historical Christian interpretations of the Genesis creation story. - InternalKey ideas about creation from theologyKey ideas about creation from theology discussed.
- InternalMaking sense of creation in Genesis: texts through the agesAnalysis of Genesis creation narrative, exploring evolving interpretations and implications.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- InternalGod and the sustainability of the earth: Islamic traditionsInsights into Islamic teachings on environmental sustainability and responsibility.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- ExternalCoastal Management: to help you understand a little bit more about options for coastal regions, check out this BBC Bitesize page
- External'"This is a wake-up call": the villagers who could be Britain's first climate refugees', Tom Wall, 18 May 2019. The Guardian Online article about the village of Fairbourne in Wales, which could be the first to be completely abandoned due to rising sea-levels
- ExternalClimate Change: Ade on the Frontline, BBC documentary series on how communities around the world are already adapting to the threats posed by the climate crisis
- ExternalResources for Educators - Climate Action, UNESCO Sustainable Development Goal Resources for Climate Action
- ExternalSurging Seas: global maps showing extent of sea level rise at 2 and 4 degrees
- External'American Icons Threatened by Sea Level Rise: In Pictures' article by Benjamin Strauss 16 October 2015 on Climate Central website, with images created by Nikolay Lamm showing how cities around the world might be affected by a rise in sea level
- ExternalWorld Atlas website article showing most at-risk countries
- ExternalThe impact of sea-level rises: 'Sea levels are going to rise by at least 20ft. We can do something about it' Harold R Wanless, 13 April 2021, The Guardian Online
- ExternalAnthropocene: The Human Epoch, an award-winning Canadian documentary which explores the concept and humanity's impact on the natural world
- ExternalFaith for Earth Initiative, run by the UN Environment Programme
- ExternalInterfaith Rainforest Initiative, aims to unite people of all faiths to end tropical deforestation
- ExternalThe Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology often features interesting poems with a religious/environmental focus
- ExternalFull Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change
eResources
- InternalRole cardsRole cards for engaging with ethical dilemmas in RE, promoting discussion and critical thinking.
- InternalWorld under waterResource exploring environmental issues and their significance in religious teachings and practices.
- InternalHumans and the environment: questionsInsights into pilgrimage practices in Hinduism, exploring their significance and spiritual implications.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- InternalScenario 1Ethical scenario prompting reflection on environmental responsibilities in RE.
External links
- ExternalOSPAR Commission website for data about marine pollution (as used in Resource 10.2)
- ExternalBlue Planet II, Episode 4: Big Blue, BBC iplayer
eResources
- InternalProphet Attenborough and the documentary: linksProphet Attenborough Links explores connections between religious teachings and environmental stewardship, promoting ethical responsibilities in caring for the planet.
- InternalImpact of nature documentariesImpact of Nature Documentaries explores how media influences perceptions of environmental ethics within religious contexts, promoting discussions on stewardship.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
- Internal
Prophet Attenborough and scientific blockbuster (pp. 32-33)Religion & Environment in RE resource. A structured tool for exploring ethical responses to climate change through faith and science.
Select a topic to explore resources
Diving in: studying religion and scienceCase studies: who cares for the environment, and how?Green voices: religious and non-religious perspectives on the environmentThinking theologically about creationChristianity and creation: the language of dominion and stewardshipHow have Christians interpreted Genesis through the ages?Creation and the environment: an Islamic perspectiveInvestigator file: natural sciencesUsing natural sciences to explore the relationship between people and the environmentProphet Attenborough and the scientific blockbuster
External links
- ExternalJo Pearce, Alexis Stones, Michael J. Reiss & Tamjid Mujtaba (2021) ' "Science is purely about the truth so I don’t think you could compare it to non-truth versus the truth." Students’ perceptions of religion and science, and the relationship(s) between them: religious education and the need for epistemic literacy', British Journal of Religious Education, 43:2, 174-189
- ExternalEpistemic Insight project – essential theoretical and practical help for handling religion and science in the classroom
External links
- ExternalFriends of the Earth UK
- ExternalIFEES/EcoIslam
- ExternalA Rocha UK
- ExternalEcoSikh
eResources
- InternalWho cares for the environment, and how?Explore how different faiths and charities care for the environment through case studies, fostering student engagement and ethical reflection on ecological issues.
Member Only Content
- InternalWho cares for the environment, and how?Explore how different faiths and charities care for the environment through case studies, fostering student engagement and ethical reflection on ecological issues.
External links
- ExternalTurtles and tortoises: goodbye (Flora Ihlow et al, 'On the brink of extinction? How climate change may affect global chelonian species richness and distribution', Global Change Biology, Wiley Online Library)
- ExternalMelting ice, rising sea levels (World Wildlife Fund)
- ExternalD’Bone Collector Museum, Philippines: where the whale necropsy was carried out. FaceBook page links to YouTube videos with films about the whale necropsy (post: 20 February 2020) and other marine pollution images and videos (NB some of these graphically convey the effect of marine pollution on animals: including footage of the necropsies in progress, so consider the suitability for your pupils)
- ExternalTime is running out (Elliott Negin, 9 April 2020 'Ask a Scientist: 2030 or Bust? What is the Importance of the Year 2030 Climatewise?', The Equation)
- ExternalPlay the perfect game (Bill McKibben, 7 January 2021 'Our Best Chance to Slow Global Warming Comes in the Next Nine Years', The New Yorker)
- ExternalGreta Thunberg: famous face of climage rage (YouTube: Greta Thunberg's speech at UN Climate Action Summit, Sept 2019)
- ExternalDavid Attenborough – Humanist prophet (15 April 2020 'David Attenborough on How Our Changing Climate Affects Wildlife', Nature)
- ExternalPope Francis – the earth sustains our life (Robin Gomes, 22 April 2020 'Pope at audience on Earth Day: common action needed to protect “our garden-home” ', Vatican News)
eResources
- InternalReligious teachings on how humans should treat each other and the EarthSummary of religious teachings on ethics.
- InternalGreen religions? Perspectives from religious and non-religious worldviewsPerspectives on environmentalism in religions.
- InternalGreen issues: will you argue, rant, preach or prophesy?Engaging students with environmental discussions.
Member Only Content
- InternalWhat do you think about green issues?encourages discussion on environmental ethics.
- InternalREinterest pagesEngaging resources to spark interest in RE.
External Links
eResources
- Internal Investigator files: Theology (CKRE vol 3) (4.1)Exploring the theological perspectives on environmental ethics, stewardship, and moral responsibility.
eResource
- InternalChristianity and creation: taking it furtherFurther exploration of Christianity and creation.
Member Only Content
- Internal Christianity and creation: the language of dominion and stewardshipExplore Christian concepts of dominion and stewardship in relation to creation and environmental responsibility.
eResources
- InternalGenesis 1:1-2:3Genesis creation narrative explored.
- InternalGenesis 2:4-25Genesis creation narrative explored.
- InternalExtended extracts from GenesisExtended extracts from Genesis, exploring creation narratives and their theological implications.
Member Only Content
- Internal How have Christians interpreted Genesis through the ages? Overview (p. 16)Overview of historical Christian interpretations of the Genesis creation story.
- InternalKey ideas about creation from theologyKey ideas about creation from theology discussed.
- InternalMaking sense of creation in Genesis: texts through the agesAnalysis of Genesis creation narrative, exploring evolving interpretations and implications.
Member Only Content
- InternalGod and the sustainability of the earth: Islamic traditionsInsights into Islamic teachings on environmental sustainability and responsibility.
Member Only Content
- ExternalCoastal Management: to help you understand a little bit more about options for coastal regions, check out this BBC Bitesize page
- External'"This is a wake-up call": the villagers who could be Britain's first climate refugees', Tom Wall, 18 May 2019. The Guardian Online article about the village of Fairbourne in Wales, which could be the first to be completely abandoned due to rising sea-levels
- ExternalClimate Change: Ade on the Frontline, BBC documentary series on how communities around the world are already adapting to the threats posed by the climate crisis
- ExternalResources for Educators - Climate Action, UNESCO Sustainable Development Goal Resources for Climate Action
- ExternalSurging Seas: global maps showing extent of sea level rise at 2 and 4 degrees
- External'American Icons Threatened by Sea Level Rise: In Pictures' article by Benjamin Strauss 16 October 2015 on Climate Central website, with images created by Nikolay Lamm showing how cities around the world might be affected by a rise in sea level
- ExternalWorld Atlas website article showing most at-risk countries
- ExternalThe impact of sea-level rises: 'Sea levels are going to rise by at least 20ft. We can do something about it' Harold R Wanless, 13 April 2021, The Guardian Online
- ExternalAnthropocene: The Human Epoch, an award-winning Canadian documentary which explores the concept and humanity's impact on the natural world
- ExternalFaith for Earth Initiative, run by the UN Environment Programme
- ExternalInterfaith Rainforest Initiative, aims to unite people of all faiths to end tropical deforestation
- ExternalThe Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology often features interesting poems with a religious/environmental focus
- ExternalFull Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change
eResources
- InternalRole cardsRole cards for engaging with ethical dilemmas in RE, promoting discussion and critical thinking.
- InternalWorld under waterResource exploring environmental issues and their significance in religious teachings and practices.
- InternalHumans and the environment: questionsInsights into pilgrimage practices in Hinduism, exploring their significance and spiritual implications.
Member Only Content
- InternalScenario 1Ethical scenario prompting reflection on environmental responsibilities in RE.
External links
- ExternalOSPAR Commission website for data about marine pollution (as used in Resource 10.2)
- ExternalBlue Planet II, Episode 4: Big Blue, BBC iplayer
eResources
- InternalProphet Attenborough and the documentary: linksProphet Attenborough Links explores connections between religious teachings and environmental stewardship, promoting ethical responsibilities in caring for the planet.
- InternalImpact of nature documentariesImpact of Nature Documentaries explores how media influences perceptions of environmental ethics within religious contexts, promoting discussions on stewardship.
Member Only Content
- Internal Prophet Attenborough and scientific blockbuster (pp. 32-33)Religion & Environment in RE resource. A structured tool for exploring ethical responses to climate change through faith and science.
