Eco-Hermeneutics (English version) - TB063

Timothy Robinson joined the Brite faculty in the fall of 2006 to teach in the areas of Christian spirituality and worship.  Ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Timothy spent 14 years serving as a pastor or associate pastor to Disciples of Christ congregations in Louisville, KY, San Lorenzo, CA, Olathe, KS, and Lynchburg, VA.  His courses address the history and practice of Christian spirituality and Christian worship, and how spirituality and liturgy inform and sustain transformative social engagement, especially ecological justice. He has authored two books and numerous articles, book chapters, and reviews treating the history of spirituality, sacramental theology, and the integration of ecological concerns with liturgical practice.  He serves on the board of the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality and the editorial board of Spiritus. He is also active in the Christian Spirituality Group of the American Academy of Religion and the North American Academy of Liturgy.

Principles of Eco-Hermeneutics and how to apply them:

1. The Principle of Intrinsic Worth: The universe, Earth and all its components have intrinsic worth/value.
2. The Principle of Inter-connectedness: Earth is a community of inter-connected living things which are mutually dependent on each other for life and survival.
3. The Principle of Voice: Earth is a living entity capable of voicing its cries against injustice
4. The Principle of Purpose: The universe, Earth and all its components are part of a dynamic cosmic design within which each piece has a place in the overall goal of that design.
5. The Principle of Custodianship: Earth is a balanced and diverse domain requiring responsible custodians who function as partners with, rather than rulers over, Earth to sustain its balance and diversity.
6. The Principle of Resistance: Earth and its components not only suffer from human injustices but actively resist them in the struggle for justice.