What the climate crisis has to do with the Gospel

A KST SHORT COURSE

Course Introduction

The word ‘climate’ is now automatically followed by ‘crisis’, ‘catastrophe’, ‘breakdown’ or, at very least, ‘change’. Discussions of global warming, endangered species, plastics and pollution are everywhere: from the newspapers to classrooms to advertisements to political debates. It is seen by many as the pinnacle of the social and economic challenges facing the world at this time. In the light of this, UK churches have embraced the need to be more consistent with their recycling and more aware of their energy usage, as mentions of ‘creation care’ and ‘stewardship’ have gained in frequency. 

Nevertheless, it is still unusual to find any significant inclusion of ecological topics within church worship and ministry. Maybe it all seems too depressing: what difference can anyone really make? Or perhaps it just feels irrelevant: what’s the point of worrying, when God is in control? Either way, the question stands: what does ‘the environment’ have to do with the Gospel? 

This course is designed to provide a broad overview of Christian environmental theology, helping you to move beyond the most common approaches to having a deeper theological framework through which to engage with environmental issues and those who care about them.

During the course, you will have the opportunity to:

• explore different biblical approaches, including debates around Genesis 1-2, the prophets and wisdom literature.
• consider the relevance of various Christian doctrines to the environment, such as incarnation, salvation and eschatology.
• engage with practical questions such as ‘What might a Christian response to climate change look like?’ and ‘How can I engage with climate issues without feeling overwhelmed?’

The course aims to equip Christians and church leaders to communicate the ways in which faith in Jesus is relevant to the major issues facing our world today. 

Course Details

Group Discounts

Group discounts are available for this course:

• Book for two people get 10% off each – £80.55 each
• Book for three people get 20% off – £71.60 each
• Book for four people get 30% off – £62.65 each
• Book for five people get 40% off – £53.70 each

Please note: if booking in a group, each participant should complete the booking form separately.

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Expired Offers

Early-bird special offer. Book between 1-14 November 2022 to receive 50% off this course – just £44.75 per person!

Terms & Conditions: Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount is available on the full individual course fee of £89.50. Course fees must be paid in full before 15 Nov 2022 to qualify. Available on courses starting in Jan – Feb 2023. Discounts are non-transferrable, not for resale, not redeemable for cash and valid only for the products set out above. KST reserves the right to withdraw, amend or cancel a discount offer at any time. 

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About the Tutors

Dr Cherryl Hunt

Cherryl holds PhDs in Biological Sciences and Theology, both from the University of Exeter. Her key interests include the use of the Bible in ethical reflection (especially bioethical topics), the writings of Paul, and how the people of God can be encouraged to engage more deeply with the Bible. Cherryl is Academic Registrar and tutor for South West Ministry Training Course (SWMTC). Her publications include Greening Paul: Reading the Apostle in an Age of Ecological Crisis (Waco, TX: Baylor, 2010), co-authored with David G. Horrell and Christopher Southgate. A series of four papers in The Expository Times are drawn from her PhD thesis, and examine ways of promoting deeper biblical engagement and understanding among ordinary Christians.

Alice Codner

Alice has a BA in Theology from the University of Oxford.  She previously worked as a primary school teacher in London, where she set up and ran a school farm.  She is currently studying for an MSc in Outdoor, Environmental and Sustainability Education at the University of Edinburgh, and is on the eco-steering group for St James’ Piccadilly, a Church of England church in London.  Alice is particularly interested in environmental theology and eco-feminist theology.  Apart from that, she enjoys swimming outside, learning folk songs, hiking, attending protests and volunteering on organic farms.  She blogs irregularly at www.partwaythere.co.uk.

Payment References

When making an online payment for this course, please use the following code with the attendee’s surname: SC22Eco-surname

Terms and Conditions

Click here for KST Short Course Terms & Conditions

[Title image by Zdeněk Macháček at Unsplash]