Ecotheology Minor

An SPU student gathers tree data on Blakely Island

The Ecotheology minor allows you to pursue a scientifically and theologically informed understanding of creation care as you anticipate and shape the future and experience God’s creation through the lens of faith.

Benefits

The Ecotheology minor allows you to pursue a scientifically and theologically informed understanding of creation care. Your coursework will include core classes in theology and biology as well as electives in other sciences (e.g., chemistry, food and consumer science, physics) and the humanities (e.g., social justice, sociology, and philosophy). You’ll explore your role as a Christian in the present ecological crisis. Additionally, as part of a pedagogical field component, you’ll engage in real-world experience and observation of the subject matter.

You will be equipped to serve the world in the realm of ecological justice as you learn:

  • scriptural and theological mandates of creation care, emphasizing the value of creation beyond its utility to humans
  •  core concepts of ecology and evolution that enable you to use scientific findings to interpret modern ecological and environmental challenges
  • how to conduct field-based scientific investigation
  • the principles of ecotheology from a broad range of disciplines (e.g., biology, theology, social justice, physics, philosophy) that collectively inform creation care efforts

Degree Requirements

View the degree requirements:

Some of the courses in this minor include “Creation Care,” “Environmental Science,” and “Ecological Fundamentals.” Science electives you may take include “Marine Restoration Ecology,” “Coral Reef Ecology,” “Forest Ecology,” “Aquatic Ecology,” and “Sustainable Food Production.” Theology electives include “Introduction to Christian Reconciliation,” “Christian Ethics,” and “Theology, Culture, and Society.” 

You can also choose from social science and humanities electives, including “Ethics and the Good Life” and “Social Inequality: Power and Privilege.” Additionally, the University Foundations (UFDN) sequence puts you well on the way to completing this minor.

To earn Ecotheology minor, you will be required to take a minimum of 30 credits, including at least 15 upper-division credits.

Deer at Blakely

Entering the Ecotheology Minor

You may enter the Ecotheology minor during your first quarter at SPU.  Entrance after your first quarter requires only good academic standing (2.0 or higher SPU cumulative GPA).  Consult the Undergraduate Catalog for complete information on how and when to enter this minor and what you must do to complete it.   


Faculty Contacts

Michael Langford

Michael D. Langford

Associate Professor of Theology, Discipleship, and Ministry 
PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary

Email: langford@duojiwuye.com
Phone: 206-281-2815
Office: Alexander Hall


Eric Long

Eric Long

Associate Professor of Biology 
PhD, Pennsylvania State University

Email: longe@duojiwuye.com
Phone: 206-378-5059
Office: Eaton 204

Biology | Why I Teach

Eric Long, Professor of Biology

“Teaching biology at SPU provides me a unique opportunity to convey my love of creation and my love of the Creator. I get to teach in the lab, in the field, and on remote islands in the San Juans, Belize, and Galapagos. The SPU field station on Blakely Island, where I teach summer courses and research black-tailed deer alongside undergraduate students, is my home away from home. I have the best job in the world!”

Michael Langford

Michael D. Langford, Professor of Theology, Discipleship, and Ministry

“The unifying focus on a common mission is engaging. SPU has a genuine and ambitious desire to help students holistically grow into an identity of being world-changers, an orientation that bolsters our life together with a great deal of energy, imagination, and hope.”