Blue Theology
Learning how water ecosystems work is part of Blue Theology. (Photo Courtesy of Blue Theology)
A United Methodist Insight Column
Even though we're into Advent and awaiting Christmas, it's time to start planning next year's activities. In addition to checking out the new "Just Like Me" Vacation Bible School curriculum from Reconciling Ministries Network, here's an intriguing summer eco-adventure from ecumenical Creation Justice Ministries about "Blue Theology."
Blue Theology logo
"Blue Theology hosts week-long learning and serving experiences in ocean conservation for youth groups, adult groups, and intergenerational groups. Blue Theology is all about developing a heart connection with the ocean. This program offers opportunities to know and fall in love with God’s marine creation through experiential learning, service projects, and contemplative practice. Blue Theology is a place where current science in marine biology meets a theology of creation justice. Each week will include beach clean-ups, coastal restoration projects, aquarium visits, ocean experiences, theological education, creative projects, student-led worship, advocacy workshops, fellowship, reflection, and so much more.
"Blue Theology is hosted by several different coastal congregations across the country. Registration is open for Summer 2024 in Texas City, Texas (Galveston Bay), Newport Beach, California (Southern California) and Arapahoe, North Carolina.
"Contact info@creationjustice.org or visit bluetheology.com to sign up!'
Tipping points are a climate worry
Back at the beginning of the dark ages, when He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was elected president, a young journalist named Matt Kiser out in the Pacific Northwest started a newsletter. In truly irreverent, relevant Gen Z fashion, Matt named his newsletter, subsequent podcast and website, "What the F**k Just Happened Today?" I have been a faithful subscriber to Matt's newsletter ever since because he combines an astute news sense with an acerbic interpretative skill that many of us have appreciated in these befuddling times. He describes WTFJHT as "today's essential guide to the daily shock and awe in national politics" and cautions "Read in moderation."
Matt's latest newsletter contained this sobering report, which I pass along:
"Humanity is in danger of crossing the point of no return for five of Earth’s natural systems because of human-caused climate change, according to a new study from an international team of more than 200 researchers. The collapse of Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, widespread coral reef die-offs in warm water, disruption of the North Atlantic subpolar gyre circulation, and the abrupt thawing of permafrost regions are all in danger of being irreversibly crossed at 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming. Global temperatures have already risen between 1.1 and 1.3 degrees. 'Tipping points in the Earth system pose threats of a magnitude never faced by humanity,' Tim Lenton said, lead author of the Global Tipping Points report. 'They can trigger devastating domino effects, including the loss of whole ecosystems and capacity to grow staple crops, with societal impacts including mass displacement, political instability and financial collapse.' Lenton added that the report is a 'tale of two future paths for humanity. We’ve basically left it too late for incremental action. Instead, we need to find and trigger what we’re calling some positive tipping points that accelerate action down an alternative pathway.'” (Bloomberg / Politico / The Guardian / Associated Press)"
Even if you object to the title of Matt's newsletter, I think everyone who cares about current events and would like to keep informed should subscribe. You can get his newsletter for free, but help a brother out and chip in a few bucks to keep Matt and his family fed. Like United Methodist Insight, WTFJHT is ad-free and relies on supporters to fund its work. (Another reason why I love it in these days when so much "news" is co-opted and corrupted by capitalism).
Meanwhile, from COP28 ...
An announcement excerpted from the Dec. 7 newsletter of the UN Environmental Program's "Faith for Earth:"
The COP28 Faith Pavilion has issued a Call to Action urging summit negotiators to reach more ambitious commitments, that reflect the values of justice, interconnectedness and compassion for those most affected. Faith communities at COP28 expressed concern about the scale and urgency needed to hold global temperature to the ceiling of 1.5° C, and call on negotiators and policymakers to:
- Prioritize a just transition to a green economy
- Adopt the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
- Prioritize the protection of species and ecosystems in climate negotiations
- Provide new and sustained funding and new forms of access to the Green Climate Fund
- Extend and diversify funding for a just and inclusive access to the Loss and Damage Fund
Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, Director of the Faith for Earth Coalition of UNEP, said: “As stewards of this Earth, this Call to Action invites all hearts and minds to unite in action. Let our convictions transcend boundaries, inspiring collective responsibility for climate protection. Together, we can chart a path of sustainable change guided by compassion and shared commitment.”
Facts on the scale and breadth of the faith movement active in communities globally
- Six billion people (84% of the world’s population) have a faith, religion or values system
- More than 1.5 million projects globally to address climate change are run by faith groups
- Faith groups own and are responsible for more than 8% of the Earth’s habitable land
- Faith groups own and are responsible for more than 5% of all commercial forests on the planet
- More than 4 in 10 health services (40%) in some countries are operated by faith groups
- Half of schools worldwide (50%) are owned or operated by faith groups - rising to 64% of schools in sub-Saharan Africa
- 10% of the world’s financial institutions are faith-related, making faith institutions the world’s third largest investor. Research shows that “faith-aligned” impact investment capital is valued at $5 trillion worldwide
The Faith Pavilion is hosted by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), and a coalition of faith partners including the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, the Episcopal Diocese of California, the Partnership on Religion and Development, Peace Department, and over 70 faith-based organizations. The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development connects religion and ecology and galvanizes faith communities’ action and teaching on environmental sustainability. The International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) convenes governments, multilateral entities, academia and religious actors to amplify contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Pavilion is hosting more than 70 sessions with religious figures, scientists, and political leaders, as well as encouraging intergenerational dialogue involving young faith leaders and indigenous peoples.
Media Mentions as of Dec. 7, 2023
Near campus, a church offers a safe space, compassion, to UNLV students – Las Vegas Sun
The Union United Methodist Church: A South End survivor - The Bay State Banner
A LONG ROAD: Grace Methodist pastor describes path to ministry - Natchez Democrat
Rosa Parks' legacy again celebrated in Gainesville by Rosa Parks Quiet Courage Committee – gainesville.com
A promise Jesus refused to presumptuously test - United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
Kansas Wesleyan receiving $700K gift from former board member's estate - Salina Journal
Brooks: Community welcomes formerly homeless home to south Minneapolis - Star Tribune
When the Church Woke - Daily Kos
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An award-winning religion journalist who has reported on The United Methodist Church at all levels for 35 years, Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, an online journal she founded in 2011. "Crisis Watch" forms part of Insight's participation in Covering Climate Now, an international collaboration of some 500 news outlets around the world committed to enhance climate coverage. To reproduce this content elsewhere, please email Insight for permission.