Religion and Ecology

How does religion shape human understanding of, and participation in, ecological systems? This course examines some of the diverse ways that people have developed for interacting with animals, plants, weather, water, air, and land, and how those behaviors work in tandem with religious ways of knowing. Recognizing that current human interactions with the global ecosystem, and of the numerous ecosystems within it, are unsustainable, the class will have a substantial focus on environmental ethics. We will think deeply about how different religious systems might contribute to environmental degradation and solutions to environmental problems. Traditions sampled will include Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Daoism, Judaism, Buddhism, Jainism, and a number of indigenous lifeways. This course also counts as REL 103, ASIA 105, ENVS 103, and fulfills the HUM and DIV requirements.