Religion and the spiritual experiences of individuals that inform religious thought provide profound insights into how we perceive the world around us and guidance as to how to interact with it.

Why study religion and environment at Sewanee?

The minor in religion and environment will encourage you to integrate religious insights and spiritual experience with the natural and social sciences. Because the minor will invite you to reflect on your own spiritual experience and beliefs as they relate to the environment, it culminates in a capstone experiential course involving environmentally related service or action along with reflection on the meaning of that engagement.

A Sampling of Courses

Religion and Ecology
Religious Studies

Considers the relationship between the natural and the sacred in selected traditions such as Amerindian religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Judeo-Christian tradition, and contemporary eco-religion. Emphasizes analysis of latent ecological/environmental resources or conflicts in each tradition studied.

RELG 341
Buddhism and the Environment
Religious Studies

An investigation of Buddhist images, symbols, stories, doctrines, ethics, and practices as they relate to understanding the environment and humanity's relationship with it. Classical texts as well as modern commentaries by Buddhist teachers, writers, and activists are examined.

RELG 353
Creation, Evolution, and God
Theology

Since Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands over 175 years ago, there has been much debate over whether the theory of evolution necessarily eliminates a belief in God. Even in theological circles ideas about God and how God creates and maintains the universe have been severely revised. This course examines the Judeo-Christian understanding of creation, modern views of evolution, and current debates about God and creation.

THEO 560
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Religion & Environment 

Programs of Study & Related Programs

Requirements for the Minor in Religion & Environment

Requirements for the Major in Environment & Sustainability  | Website

Requirements for the Major in Environmental Arts & Humanities | Website

Requirements for the Minor in Environmental Studies | Website

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Forestry | Website

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Geology | Website

Requirements for the Major in Natural Resources & the Environment | Website

Meet some professors

Sid Brown
sbrown@sewanee.edu

Sid Brown teaches in the area of Asian religions, specializing in Theravada Buddhism. Brown also focuses on religious responses to environmental issues and religious conceptions of relationships between human and other-than-human animals. She has been studying Buddhism since 1982. During her years earning a B.A. in philosophy and a M.A. and Ph.D. in religious studies, she researched and lived in India, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Thailand.

Professor of Religious studies
James R. Peters
jpeters@sewanee.edu

James Peters' interest in philosophy began when his family left the predictable suburbs of Chicago and moved out into the country. There, he fell in love with the rural landscape and began a lifelong passionate interest in the natural world. Out of a love of natural things emerged a love of asking fundamental questions. It was during explorations of local woodlots and fields that Peters experienced his first sense of philosophical wonder. His interests are ancient and medieval philosophy, environmental ethics, and philosophical theology.

Professor of Philosophy & Coordinator of Environmental Arts and Humanities
Eric Thurman
etthurman@sewanee.edu

Eric Thurman teaches in the area of Biblical studies, specializing in the New Testament. He also focuses on issues of gender and sexuality in the Bible and its interpretation as well as the relationship between the Bible and the histories of colonialism/imperialism.

Associate professor of religious studies

Contact

Eric Thurman
Associate Professor of Religious Studies

etthurma@sewanee.edu

Walsh-Ellett 207, Ext. 1351

Connecting the Dots

Integrated Program in the Environment
6 Majors, 6 Minors, 13,000 Acres

Sewanee's Integrated Program in the Environment is one of the premier collections of environmental offerings in the country. A working farm, a 13,000-acre forest, and well-funded internships offer opportunities to apply your classroom learning. An expansive curriculum—including natural and social sciences as well as the humanities and fine arts—offers students multiple pathways for gaining an understanding of the ecological complexity and wonder of the earth we inhabit.

Explore Your Options
Spiritual Life
Come explore your faith

Spirituality, faith, religion, and community are vibrant aspects of the Domain. There is a richness that comes with diversity of faith, and there are many opportunities at Sewanee to be edified through spiritual formation. Explore your faith with services, studies, choir, and more.

Get involved
Stewardship & Sustainability
Hands-on Experience

The Office of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability offers students myriad opportunities to engage with the outdoors. Whether your passions are natural resources management, food production, animal care, field research, or sustainability, there's a place for you to get your hands dirty on the Domain!

Get Involved