Weatherford College 6th Annual Philosophy of Religion and the Environment

The world, it seems, is at a crossroads regarding environmental responsibility. While religion is often seen as antagonistic to environmental concerns, there is a rich history of religion’s engagement with nature, our use of resources, and human responsibility of stewardship and care for the environment. From Judeo/Christian scriptural traditions in Genesis, Psalms, Luke, and Romans to Hindu scriptural traditions in the Yajurveda, many religions embed care for creation in its religious laws. Furthermore, religious figures such as John Calvin, while anthropocentric in his thinking, also endorsed human responsibility toward the environment. As recently as the 1970’s The National Council of Churches and the National Association of Evangelicals called for environmental conservation. Now, however, the environment has been weaponized and politicized in ways that muddy the waters which seemed so clear to many throughout history. To what extent do religious aims and environmental concerns become at odds or align? Is there common ground from which people of differing religious views can discuss these matters? Must we choose between progress and the environment or is there a path forward that preserves both our way of life as a species and the world we inhabit? In light of questions like these, Weatherford College is again pleased to host the 6th annual Philosophy of Religion Conference on the theme “Philosophy of Religion and the Environment,” on April 5-6, 2024.