Seminar Synopsis – Our Father’s World Seminar
Normal format:
- Five sessions, each about 50 minutes with time for breaks and discussion
- Sessions A & B, Friday evening, 7-9 pm
- Sessions C, D & E, Saturday morning, 9-12
Session A: “By Him and For Him: The Meaning of the Universe”
Environmental concern is often described as “stewardship” – and as Christians we agree. Stewardship of the earth is a profoundly Christian concept. But we cannot be effective stewards of creation until we understand what the Creator had in mind. Why did God create creation? What did he have in mind for the human race in that process?
Session B: “Leading the Cosmic Orchestra: A New Perspective on Fall & Redemption”
“Environmental problems are sin problems.” Okay – but what does that mean? From Dr. Seuss’ book, The Lorax, to Jared Diamond’s recent best-seller, Collapse, we’ll see how environmental problems come right out of the sin in our hearts. And we will also begin to understand that God’s redemptive plan is broader and deeper than many of us ever realized. That redemption is reversing the curse of sin throughout all of creation…
Session C: “A Perfect Storm: Today’s Environmental Crisis is Different…”
Environmental problems have dogged the human race for centuries – but the crisis on our doorstep is different. It’s a perfect storm comprised of a world with more human beings than ever before, many of whom are wealthier than ever before, but millions of whom are poorer than ever before. This volatile combination of population, prosperity, poverty and the resulting political turmoil makes for a global crisis that is unprecedented. We will learn that, while climate change grabs the headlines, it is only one small part of a crisis that threatens the future of the human race and many, many of God’s other creatures as well.
Session D: “What Should We Do? Creation Care begins at Home”
Big problems don’t always have big solutions. A simple change in light bulbs, restricting our use of “disposable” goods and many other little things can make a big difference when millions of people do them together. This session will normally include a panel discussion with people from your local community – government officials, university experts and others – who can describe the unique challenges you face, and how you can do your part to begin to care for your corner of God’s creation.
Session E: “Mobilizing The Church: Making Redemption Practical”
In ‘Our Father’s World’, Ed Brown states that “the Church – properly understood and functioning in the full power of God – is the only institution or organization available to the human race that can address a problem with this many dimensions…” (p. 83) This is an audacious claim. But we will learn from the Bible that this is exactly what Jesus expects his Church to be doing – bringing his redemption to all of creation. What does a God-glorifying, creation-caring church look like? We’ll discuss worship, Christian education, youth programs, local outreach and missions, and we will see that every element of a church’s life and ministry is enriched and strengthened when the church mobilizes to care for God’s creation.
For booking arrangements, contact Care of Creation at seminars [at] careofcreation.org