Connections Quarterly Spring 2016 - Environment | Page 25

• During the summit, students will roleplay and debate local, national, or global environmental problems. In preparation for the debate, students could write formal declarations
from their leader’s point-of-view about the issues, providing persuasive reasons for their
opinions, and including possible retorts to criticism. Have someone document what conflicts arise throughout the discussion, or assign this as a homework task the night after the
discussion has occurred. The activity could end with a larger group discussion about how
to work through the many obstacles that arose during the exchange of different opinions.

For Advisors or Class Deans:
Movies
• Movies do more than entertain. They “have the potential to reinforce, to challenge, to
overturn, or to crystallize religion’s perspectives, ideological assumptions and fundamental
values” (Campbell and Elmatti, 1111). Movies can be used to explore themes and questions
about religion and nature such as:
• How is nature an Instrument of God? Twister, The Perfect Storm, Volcano
• How does nature operate as a metaphysical realm? The Lion King, Pocahontas, Fern
Gully: The Last Rainforest
• How is nature a religious storyteller? Alive, Contact, The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of
the Ring, The Matrix, Planet of the Apes, Signs
• How should/does humanity respond to nature?
• How is nature viewed in the context of major motion pictures and to what extent
are these responses shaped by religion?
These approaches and resources invite educators and students to reflect on how religion, ethics and nature intersect. They offer opportunities for us to engage and connect to the spiritual
traditions in our lives, and demonstrate that there is variety in how we choose to do this. Finally,
it reminds us of the key role that education plays in creating an educated citizenry. These citizens should be equipped to make decisions for themselves and the nation in order to establish
our common future as a healthy, just and ecologically sustainable global community. l

Bridgette McGoldrick is an upper school history teacher at the Annie Wright School in
Tacoma, Washington. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in the Religion
and Nature Program, and holds a masters degree in comparative world religions.

References on page 25

CSEE Connections

Spring 2016

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