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How can scripture, the insights of two 13th century theological giants, and modern Catholic social teaching provide you with a distinctively Catholic understanding of how to care for God's creation?

As Catholics, we profess: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” What exactly does that mean? Professor Nothwehr, a celebrated scholar at Catholic Theological Union and Sister of St. Francis, begins this timely course by asking, “What is it about the Catholic (Christian) faith that compels us to care for creation?”

For centuries non-Christian, dualistic philosophy distracted Catholic theologians from focusing on human relationships with the natural world. See how a return to sacred scriptures and a recovery of a holistic understanding of God, humanity, and creation can overcome this legacy.

Examine the creation theology of two extraordinary 13th Century colleagues at the University of Paris, St. Bonaventure and St. Thomas. Explore three key New Testament texts that shaped our understanding of Christ as the Incarnate Word, the Cosmic Christ, and the One who suffers along with a suffering world.

Gain an overview of the development of key Catholic Social Teachings on ecological and environmental issues, beginning with the Second Vatican Council and ending with Benedict XVI's 2009 encyclical, Caritas in Veritate. This course's finale includes a close-up view of saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, two models for sustainable and holy living.

With this order you will receive, free of charge, a detailed Electronic Study Guide. With your confirmation email, you will receive a link that will take you to this Electronic Study Guide, which includes outlines for each topic, review questions and suggested readings for further study. The link to access this Electronic Study Guide will also be included on the case of your CDs or DVDs. You are allowed to print up to 7 copies of your guide. Simply click on the link, or type it into your browser, to access the file.

About Your Presenter

Professor Dawn Nothwehr has been named the Erica and Harry John Family Professor of Catholic Theological Ethics at Catholic Theological Union, where she also directs the Certificate in Healthcare Mission Leadership. She is the author of six books, including Franciscan Theology of the Environment: An Introductory Reader, and Ecological Footprints: An Essential Guide for Sustainable Living (Forthcoming - Liturgical Press, 2012). Dr. Nothwehr is Franciscan sister and for over 20 years, she has taught courses, and given workshops, seminars and retreats on topics of environmental ethics and theology, particularly from the perspective of the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition. Her current research focuses on global climate change, environmental ethics and ecotheology in our globalized, terrorized, ecologically threatened world.

Topic Titles

• Matter Matters: Why Christian Faith Compels Catholics to Care for the Earth
• 'In the Beginning': The Hebrew Testament on Creation and Redemption
• From Creation to New Creation: The Christian Testament on Creation and Redemption
• Christian Theological Tradition: Two Perspectives
• A Shift in Western World View: From Sacramental Universe to Scientific Materialism
• Human's Unique Role in Creation: Mediators between God and Creatures
• Jesus Christ: Ecotheological Perspectives
• Early 20th Century Retrieval of Catholic Ecotheology: Vatican II and Early Post-Vatican II Teaching
• Creation and Environmental Questions: Catechism of the Catholic Church & Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
• The Planetary Common Good: Early Teaching on Ecology and Sustainability by Select National Bishops Conferences
• The Kinship of Creation and a Sacramental Universe: Catholic Social Teaching- North American Perspectives
• Urgent Issue #1: Human Caused Global Climate Change
• Urgent Issue #2: Water for Life
• Urgent Issue #3: The Crisis in Access to Food
• Urgent Issue #4: Crisis of Peak Oil and Sustainable Energy
• Francis of Assisi: Canticle of the Creatures and Moral Imagination
• Francis of Assisi: Patron of Ecology
• A Final Word from Lady Clare of Assisi: Ecological Living