Religion and Environmental Education: Building on Common Ground

Abstract

Environmental educators are beginning to consider how to incorporate religious resources into their curricula. Common concerns about religion pose a challenge for integration, but these concerns are manageable. Reflection on the precursors of environmental citizenship behaviour provides a framework for considering some of the ways that religious elements can enhance environmental education. Furthermore, faith-based environmental education programs have existed for decades, and their practices can suggest some starting points. Abundant ecotheology resources also exist, including environmental policy statements within most denominations. These resources can provide a common ground between religion and environmental education.