What is Ecotheology?
Ecotheology focuses on the connections between nature and religion. It incorporates our modern understanding of cosmology and the human role within nature. Ecotheology is informed by the work of theologians, scientists, ecofeminists, mystics and artists. Ecotheology proposes we focus on the natural world as an important source of revelation about the mystery of God. Ecotheology also promotes an ethical imperative to nurture the health and sustainability of the environment.
Faith Development
Many of the Scriptural and liturgical images and metaphors of God reflect the Hebrew cosmology and culture. It can be helpful to consider one’s image of God and to be aware that our understanding of the mystery of God will grow and change over time. James Fowler's Stages of Faith Developmentdemonstrates how our images of God can develop over the course of our lifetime.
Ecotheology and Images of God. ( Imaging God webpage reflection )
Theologians, mystics, poets, and ecofeminists reflect on nature as a source of revelation and consider how this might affect both our spiritual lives and the health of the planet.
Teaching Resources ( link to teaching resources webpage )
Ecotheologians speak of the importance of nurturing awe and wonder as a way of coming to see the divine in nature. These teaching resources offer suggestions to meet this goal. In addition, some resources will help to nurture an environmental ethic.
Further Readings on Ecotheology ( link to Futher Reading Suggestions webpage )
There are many excellent books on ecotheology, or creation spirituality as it is sometimes known.
A few interesting quotations about the interdependence and interrelatedness of all life on earth. ( link to Interdependence and Interrelatedness webpage )