As the leader of a missional community with a care for people and planet and the Eco Schools lead at my school, I have been aware of environmental issues for nearly 20 years: I listened to science and read about effective actions; I led others in practical activities and prayed for the world. But I was missing hearing the voice of the Church – I was missing a depth of theology which framed the world as God’s world and our actions and emotions in response to that.
The CRES course gave an opportunity to access and engage with a wealth of Biblical thinking and understanding as well as a chance to wrestle with trickier ethical issues. The first module absorbed me completely and gave a great grounding for the rest of the learning. The following modules developed and deepened my awareness and understanding across a huge range of issues – from animal welfare to soil structure to Fairtrade principles. I loved the opportunity to reflect in my own way and to create essay titles which linked with topics which had deeply affected me. The final dissertation gave me an opportunity to explore more deeply an area which had constantly run in the background of my thinking throughout the whole course.
I would whole-heartedly recommend the CRES course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of God’s wonderful creation and to see the role we have, as followers of Jesus, to enable it to flourish in all areas.