Northwest House of Theological Studies is offering an “Environmental Ethics” workshop in partnership with the Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns (a project of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon) and the St. Andrew Lutheran Church Green Team.
The workshop on June 6 and June 7 is being held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton. The facilitator is Dr. Mark Brocker, Lead Pastor of St. Andrew, Adjunct Professor of Christian Ethics at NHTS, and Adjunct Professor at Pacific Lutheran University. Dr. Brocker is an internationally recognized specialist in the thought and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His Ph.D. was completed at the University of Chicago.
This course is intended to attract a wide variety of participants: seminary students, professionals addressing environmental concerns, clergy taking the course for continuing education, lay leaders in congregations, and concerned citizens. Participants will engage in theological and ethical reflection on some of the most pressing environmental issues of our day such as global warming, personal consumption, air and water pollution, endangered species, stewardship of limited resources, disposal of nuclear waste, etc.
The workshop will include a basic survey of the environmental problem, a presentation on the biblical and theological foundations for engaging in ethical reflection on the environment, and a presentation on what it means to be responsible people of faith, both individually and corporately, in relation to the environment. Norms such as justice, sustainability, sufficiency, participation, and solidarity will be lifted up. Participants will tour the St. Andrew wetland and be introduced to the case study method for addressing specific environment issues.
This “Environmental Ethics” course can be taken for 2 or 3 semester hours of credit. All credit students will be expected to attend the course for two additional weekends—June 13-14 and 20-21.
Questions about the content of the course can be addressed to Dr. Mark Brocker by phone (503-646-0629) or by e-mail (brockerms@standrewlutheran.com). Those interested in participating in the workshop should register through the Northwest House of Theological Studies. For more information, visit our website at www.nhts.org or call Northwest House of Theological Studies at 503-588-4344.
