THE EARTHKEEPING
MINISTRIES CONGRESS
THE NORTH AMERICAN COALITION FOR CHRISTIANITY AND ECOLOGY

September 13-15, 1996
Summary Report

 

SCIENCE AND COSMOLOGY

How does the story of the evolution of the universe, developed by modern science, provide an adequate context for changing our lifestyles to harmonize with God's creation? What is the import of this new cosmology for Christian theology and communities of faith?

Resource Persons

The Rev. George l. Murphy, Pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Tallmadge, Ohio, is an instructor at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus Ohio. He is co-author of Cosmic Witness, published in 1996.

The Rev. Barbara Smith-Moran, an Episcopal parish priest in Massachusetts, is Director of the Center for Faith and Science Exchange (FASE), Newton Center MA and member of the Ecumenical Roundtable on Science, Technology and the Church.

Michael Dowd, a veteran ecologist and author of Earthspirit: A Handbook for Nurturing an Ecological Christianity, published in 1991, is a religious organizer for the Washington DC based Environmental Information Center.

 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him and without him not one thing came into being." (John 1: 1-3)

"Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible — all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1: 15-17)

"Everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected." (I Timothy 4:4)

"Cosmology is about where the universe came from and where it's going. How our human species treats this planet depends on whether we consider ourselves to be either a part of the planet, or apart from the planet; and whether we believe that God is really here with us or somewhere else.
      "We should use the best of modern science that teaches us we are of the earth and God is here with us. That understanding will make a tremendous difference in how we treat the earth." (Barbara Smith-Moran)

"We've had a spatial understanding of the universe — heaven is above, hell is below, we walk on the earth. We must shift from seeing the universe as a place, to an understanding of the universe as a developing, living process. We are the sum total of 15 billion years becoming conscious of itself." (Michael Dowd )

"Jesus is the one who serves the whole universe, and therefore is the model for human beings to use our brains, our science and technology, and our understanding of the universe, not simply for ourselves and needs of the human race, but for the entire universe. The church must preach this cosmic scope of Christianity.
      "We must recognize the praise dimension of worship in everything we do in the world, including science and technology. In everything we do, we should ask the question: Does this contribute to the praise of God? " (George Murphy)

Current Trends

This is a time of heightened awareness and interest in ecology and science. Some Christian congregations are beginning to focus on the interconnections between the environment, justice, peace, and simplicity in their worship and mission. Many individual scientists of faith, as well as members of the larger religious community, see the need to apply the truths of the Bible within the context of the modern scientific world view. The story of God's love for the world and the life of Jesus of Nazareth is as valid and needed today as it ever was. Jesus has become globalized over the last nineteen centuries. This has changed forever the ethical standards regarding our fellow humans. Now the universality of God's love and Christ's redemptive, healing work is being recognized as applying to the entire awesome cosmos. This will change forever our ethics and behavior toward the rest of creation.

Our Vision

There is an urgency for these trends to accelerate, so that by the year 2000 churches will be experiencing the sacredness of nature, encouraging youth leadership in on-going science and cosmology study groups, and developing partnerships with other groups on behalf of sustaining a healthy planet.

The Challenges

The obstacles to achieving this vision in local congregations are many. A number of churches operate out of an inflexible theology that limits collaboration with groups outside their belief system. A reliance on "civil religion" prevents some from stretching beyond their comfort zone. Among Christians, there is a schism between those who objectify the earth, basing their attitude on a divinely ordained separation of humans from earth, and those who see themselves as subjects, rising from earth, with a special role to play within an evolving creation. Our naive anthropocentrism and belief in human primacy alienate us from the rest of nature.

Many church structures are self serving, and antagonistic to language inclusive of women, earth and other creatures. They are threatened by activism; they resist change. There is general ecological, scientific and biblical illiteracy.

Strategies

To help churches overcome these obstacles we propose that they expand their worship liturgies and education programs.

  1. Worship. Hold inclusive prayer meetings on behalf of all creation, valuing the uniqueness and diversity of the participants, and making real the wholeness available in Christ. Use creation centered liturgies in Epiphany, on St. Francis Day and Earth Day. Hold Sunday worship services outdoors as much as possible.
  2. Teach theology. Encourage awareness of such Biblical themes as the goodness of creation; God's covenant with creation; human responsibility; the praise of God by creation; and the cosmic scope of God's purpose. Teach the relevance of biblical truths in the context of today's world.
  3. Promote Earth Literacy. Encourage good science education and the story of the expanding universe. Promote dialogue on science and religion. Invite fresh voices. Let youth mentor adults. Use new, inclusive earth sensitive language. In addition to love for humanity, teach love for the human cradle, the environment.
  4. Experiment with a simpler life style. Build simpler churches.

 

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