We are happy to share two very interesting articles generated as part of courses (TH530A: Introduction to God And Theological Reflection) taught by Professor Mary Philip (a.k.a. Joy) offered to all the Master’s programme students – MDiv (Master of Divinity), MA in Theology (Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy and Public Faith & Spirituality fields) of Martin Luther University College in Waterloo, Canada (ECI Affiliated organization). In this course, students were asked to share their reflections on how to connect what can be learned from an artwork (a painting) to the Earth Charter and a biblical teaching. It is an outstanding example of how the Earth Charter can be used to generate reflection connecting the artwork (paintings) in theological reflection on the Earth Charter.
These articles were originally published in Consensus, a journal of Canadian Lutheran theology co-sponsored by Martin Luther University College in Waterloo, Ontario and Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon.
Responsibility for Creation by Sarah E. Brown (Consensus Journal, Volume 41, Issue 1 – Sustainability and Religion)
This paper draws connections between Indigenous art, religious texts and the Earth Charter in order to reveal the importance of our interconnectedness with the environment and provide potential ways in which we can live out our relationship to God. The author shares insights on the understanding of Indigenous spirituality as depicted in Nokomis’ painting Great Mother of the Ojibway.
Stewards of Creation by Laura Shaw (Consensus Journal, Volume 42, Issue 2 – Living through COVID-19, looking beyond COVID-19)
This article offers a reflection of what can be the connections between the artwork of a painting with the Earth Charter and parts of the bible teaching. It looks specifically at the fourth principle of The Earth Charter “secure Earth’s bounty and beauty for present and future generations” and how it can connect to some of the bible teaching. It offers a reflection on the learnings from a painting provides a colourful depiction of our role as stewards of creation. From both a Christian and an Indigenous perspective, the painting provides viewers with an opportunity to see human beings as a part of the created world and not separate from creation. The fourth principle of The Earth Charter