The Human Dimension: Religion and Ethics

Thursday (March 24th)

Ponder this question before you begin the assigned reading:

• What influence do religious beliefs have on people’s attitudes toward nature?

Please have all the reading done before class and be prepared to discuss it.

Readings:

• Genesis 1-3 (on the web at BibleGateway.com)
• Lynn White, Jr., “The Historical Roots of our Ecologic Crisis”
• Wendell Berry, “The Gift of Good Land”

• Recommended: Ismar Schorsch, “Learning to Live with Less: A Jewish Perspective” in Spirit and Nature: Why the Environment is a Religious Issue, 22-38

Questions to consider:

1. Based on your own reading of Genesis 1-3, what is the prevailing attitude toward nature in that text?
2. What is Lynn White’s assessment of western religions’ attitudes towards nature and do you think he is correct?
3. What kind of response does Wendell Berry offer to White? [If you read Schorsch, consider his response and compare it to Berry’s.]
4. If you have studied any other religious traditions not covered by the readings, give some thought to their attitudes towards nature and be prepared to share your ideas.