PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.,
P.O. Box 897
Tucker, GA 30085
Phone:770-569-3384

ECOLOGICAL THEOLOGY
Synthesizing Courses (Level 3) - TH30605 - 0 Credits
This course explores the Earth and all that lives here as the dwelling place of God. There is an ongoing dialogue between scientists' (especially Darwin's) meticulous observations of natural selection and evolution on Earth with the Nicene Creed, scripture, and theologies through the ages. This dialogue allows science and theology to both maintain their own language while at the same time challenging each other to broaden their thinking about this mystery called life and an unexplainable Giver of life that many of us call God. Elizabeth Johnson uses Rolston's concept of three Big Bangs to contemplate this: the divine spark at the beginning of the universe, the beginnings of life on Earth and the emergence of Homo sapiens.
Learning Objectives
In addition to the objectives the learners identify for themselves, participants who successfully completes this course will be able to:
- Differentiate and dialogue between scientific language and faith language.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method, the Big Bang theory, the theory of natural selection and ecosystems.
- Appraise theological understandings offered in this course and interpret how they intersect with your lived theology.
Required Texts
- Johnson, Elizabeth A., Ask the Beasts: Darwin and the God of Love, Bloomsbury, London, 2014.
Affordable
PATHWAYS believes that quality theological education should be available to any who want it. That’s why we provide a cost-effective online theological program accessible to all. 4-week Explorer courses are only $124, 6-week courses just $375, 9-week courses Supervised Ministry courses are $500, and our 12-week UCC History and Polity course is only $650.
Flexible
Because classes are not bound by geography and have a flexible weekly schedule, PATHWAYS courses are able to fit into the rest of your busy life. Courses typically involve weekly readings and discussion in a facilitated online forum, offering practical, open-minded education and a learner-centered environment where participants can bring their own questions and insights.
Accessible
Our courses have between 4 and 15 participants. This allows for deep and productive discussions in the online forum. We know that a small class size allows the participants to develop learning relationships with each other and for facilitators to push participants to a more indepth learning experience.