Green Gospel for a Pale Blue Earth: Online Class 

It is hard to remain hopeful as we witness the degradation of the planet now taking place. The health of our common home, once imaged by astronomer Carl Sagan as a lovely but pale blue dot of vulnerability floating in the immensity of space, today looks more doubtful than ever. 

How, though, might we renew for ourselves that deep green faith? How might we reclaim environmental consciousness as a central—not merely a supplementary or special interest—component of Christian faith and practice? How might we root it in gospel teachings, including those associated with traditional terms such as salvation, incarnation, God’s reign, and Christ’s resurrection and transfiguration on Mount Tabor?

If these strike you as live questions, for yourself and others you know, this course may be for you. The tuition for the course is $50.

Course Instructor: John Gatta is professor emeritus at the University of the South, Sewanee, as well as at the University of Connecticut. A full record of his professional activities is available here:   http://www.sewanee.edu/media/academics/english/CV19JG.pdf . He has published widely on both literary and theological topics, and has previously offered presentations in various settings based on the subject matter of this course.  

Schedule of Topics

Session 1. First Things: An All-Loving Creator and Our Place in Creation

 Session 2.  Green Perspectives on Sin, Salvation, and “the Fall”  

 Session 3.  Green Perspectives on Christ’s Incarnation, Resurrection, and the Work of Redemption

 Session 4. Green Perspectives on the Transfiguration of Christ, personal metanoia, and the Contemplative Way