In the classroom…
A new earth: The environmental challenge.

For much of the past twenty years we have increasingly been made aware of the need to work with, rather than in spite of, our environment. Environmental groups, indigenous people both within Australia and overseas, and scientists have alerted the community to changes in our climate and physical earth, attributable in the main to an exploitation of the earth’s natural resources. While there may remain some dissent as to precisely why such changes are occurring, all groups agree that humanity must become more attuned to our world if we, and myriad other species, are to survive.

Theologians have participated in this conversation too. Fr Thomas Berry SJ and Fr Sean McDonagh are two who have led attempts to consider how our relationship to the earth reflects our relationship with God. As their work has gained both recognition and respect from other theologians and environmentalists, many more Christians are coming to see that our response to the environment is an important component in a life of faith.

Much of Judeo-Christian thinking with regard to the environment is based in the Genesis story, specifically the command for men and women to master and subdue the earth and all within it (Gen 1:27-29). Taken literally, humanity would seem to have divine licence to use the earth’s resources without consideration. In their Social Justice Sunday statement for 2002, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference sets out to foster a new understanding of our relationship to all God’s creation.

Depending on the age of the students you are working with, you may choose to read the statement in whole, or in part. The following sections are suggested as worthy of particular attention:

1. God’s Creation
   Read the quotes from St Bonaventure and Pope John Paul II. Both men liken creation to that of a book, reflecting much of the character of the writer/creator God. Ask the class to consider the diversity of creation as we understand it: the physical earth, the rhythm of the seasons, the interdependence between human, animal and plant life and the rest of the natural world, and the great expanse of space of which we know only a fraction. As students consider each of these (and other elements) ask them to describe what this might reflect of the nature and being of God.
   The statement from the Bishops Committee for Justice, Development and Peace towards the end of this section explores the relationship between science and religion in understanding creation. How does this new understanding of the place of scripture shape our understanding of Genesis 1:27-29?
2. Our Natural Heritage
   This part of the statement looks at what we have inherited as Australians. What are the natural features of the area in which you live? What efforts are being made locally to protect rivers, plants and wildlife? What attempts are being made to work with industry in minimising the impact on the local environment? Invite a representative from your local council to talk to the class about initiatives being undertaken with respect to the environment. A conversation between this person and a member of a local environmental group might make for interesting listening.
3. The World of God’s Spirit
   Indigenous people have much to teach us about living attuned to our natural world. While we will never revert to the hunter-gatherer lifestyle, there is sense in not taking more from the environment than we need. Find out more about how Indigenous Australians lived and the way they managed their natural resources. Does this attitude change our understanding of ‘stewardship over the earth’? What lessons might we draw from Indigenous culture?
4. Groans from the Earth, Cries from the Poor
   Get online and look at the latest figures detailing greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Investigate what has happened at environmental summits including Kyoto and The Hague in recent years. What have been the key proposals at these events? Were they supported? By whom? Why did some countries choose not to support various recommendations?
5. Towards ecological conversion
   Look at some of the work of theologians Thomas Berry and Sean McDonagh. What are they trying to do through their writing? Read St Francis of Assisi and listen to recordings of the music of Hildegard of Bingen. What are they celebrating through their words and music? Look through the scriptures. How often is the natural world used as a metaphor for understanding God’s love and care for humanity?
   Through Hildegard, Francis and countless passages in scripture, we can pray to God through a deep appreciation of the gift of our earth. Our prayers can lead us to a new understanding of God’s presence in our lives through the gift of creation. Invite the class to prepare a time of prayer that celebrates our natural world. Images taken from the NASA site might help in including the far-flung dimensions of creation too. These are available online and users are free to reproduce the images stored there.
6. Some encouraging signs of the times
   Is there a group of people at your school who is interested in the environment? If not, maybe you could start one. This group could look at interesting ways of getting the message across in your school community to students, staff and parents. Build links with local environmental groups. Participate in local tree-planting projects and the like. Invite guest speakers in to student assemblies and forums. Look at your own environment at school. What simple measures could be introduced to make it a more pleasant place that reflects the colour and life of creation?

A prayer by Aboriginal elder, Elizabeth Pike

May you always stand tall as a tree
Be as strong as the rock Uluru
As gentle and still as the morning mist
Hold the warmth of the campfire in your heart
And may the Creator Spirit always walk with you.

Illustrations in the text are from Creation: a love story by Melbourne artist, Margaret Hill. Recommended for use in schools, parishes and retreat centres, a complete A4 set of the 14 paintings in this series, along with an accompanying text, a five-step reflection process and points for leaders of the process, are available for purchase. The original paintings with text and reflection process are available for hire in the state of Victoria. Contact: M.Hill 03 9434 1810, email: mhill2@vtown.com.au.

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