The Bible was written in the context of societies that were deeply related to the natural world around them. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with imagery and passages related to Creation and the natural world. This course—the next in Dio’s popular series of non-credit online adult education—introduces students to ways to read the Bible that bring out these Creation-centric themes. Students will learn more about the worldview that produced the Bible and see how its teachings are shaped by a deep relationship with the natural world. Key themes include the land, food, agriculture, and Creation itself.
As our societies confront a gathering climate crisis, this course will help participants think about how their Christian faith informs their living today. When we see how care for the environment is a part of our sacred scriptures, we can understand how that same worldview can be integrated in our discipleship today. This course is taught during the Season of Creation, a time of year set aside by many churches to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. We encourage groups to gather to learn together.
This course has no homework, no assigned reading, and no written assignments. We ask people to come prepared to listen, learn, and grow as followers of Jesus.