Religion, Animals and the Environment

Catalog description

This course analyzes the ways in which various religions, especially Judaism and Christianity, understand the relationship of human beings to the environment and non-human animals. We will explore how religious worldviews translate into human impact on the non-human biosphere. Given the global reach of American environmental policies and lifestyles, and the prominent role that biblical interpretation has played in shaping American attitudes and policy, special emphasis will be placed on historical interpretations of the Bible, ranging from human dominionism to human responsibility in caring for the earth, its creatures and its ecosystems. The course explores the complexities involved in using religious positions, interpretations of biblical texts and apocalyptic arguments to inform both environmentalism and policy debates related to the environment. Students will gain a basic introduction to methods of biblical scholarship and familiarity with the general state of scientific consensus on environmental challenges.