Bethlehem Lutheran Church is offering a short course on a theology of Creation Care

What does it mean to be “earth bound?”

The words can convey an image of being limited as in we are tied to existence on earth, and there is no other home for human or any terrestrial life. No matter what the sci-fi stories portray we are earth creatures. There is another way to hear those words. Earth bound, according to Dr. David Rhoads of the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, can open up understandings of connection and commitment, such as when two are bound together by love. In that way he describes God’s relationship to creation as a relationship, which is willingly and passionately bound to earth and all that is in it.

EarthBound is God’s orientation toward earth and therefore us. Dr. Rhoads has developed a curriculum that uses this concept and unfolds it into a full Christian response to our current environmental concerns. Pastor Mark Ditmanson and Intern Pastor Jack Busche will be hosting and leading Dr. Rhoads’ six-session curriculum in June and July focusing on our Christian theological understanding of the value of creation and human responsibility to care for all that God has made.

The curriculum called EarthBound: Created and Called To Care for Creation, designed by Dr. David Rhoads of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and co-sponsored by Gustavus Adolphus College and Augsburg Center for Faith and Learning, features the reflections of numerous theologians who approach our current ecological needs from a biblical and sacramental perspective.

The series uses a DVD based discussion format and invites the participant to reflect on scripture, tradition, and current events. This series also takes Martin Luther’s breakthrough understanding of Justification and Vocation and explodes it across God’s magnificent creation.

EarthBound provides the Christian with the faith language to inspire and support creation care. Each session will be held on Wednesday evenings in the library of Bethlehem Lutheran. Beginning on June 19 and continuing through July 24 at 7:00 p.m. This is free and open to all.