Nature and Environment in the Sacred Texts of World Religions

22 May 2016

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The industrial revolution of the 19th and 20th centuries, abuse of power and human greed, and continuing population explosion in many countries have all contributed to an environmental crisis that threatens the sustainability of life on planet earth as we know it. Our reliance on fossil fuels, our creation of immense quantities of waste products, and our destruction of natural resources to fuel our consumer economies have led to global warming, a reduction in biodiversity and a serious threat to long-term environmental sustainability. This environmental catastrophe challenges religious communities to respond out of the wisdom of their traditions.

Our international conference will elaborate how world religions have viewed and interpreted their sacred texts throughout their histories with reference to nature and the environment, and how people are reconsidering their religious and spiritual teachings about nature and the environment in light of the increasing threats to the environment.

We invite your proposals for individual papers or panels on issues relating to how religions have or should respond to the environmental crisis of the 21st century.

Some Foundational Questions
• How do religions integrate the discoveries of science with the teachings of tradition with respect to environmental
issues?
• How do environmental scientists look into contemporary environmental issues?
• What roles have been and can be played by faith communities in enhancing protection of nature and environment?
• How do women in faith communities respond to the contemporary environmental catastrophe?
• Do our sacred texts declare any actions to be immoral regarding dealing with nature and environment?

For more questions about the environment as well as information regarding registration, arrangements and accommodations, please refer to our website:
https://www2.naz.edu/interfaith/programs/academic-conferences/sacred-tex...

Event Date: 
Monday, May 23, 2016 - 12:00am to Wednesday, May 25, 2016 - 12:00pm
Institution(s): 
Sponsored By: 
Nazareth College, Brian and Jean Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue in collaboration with the Department of Religious Studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY
Contact: 
585-389-2963
Location: 
Nazareth College, Rochester, NY in Otto Shults Community Center