Overarching Theme: As disciples of Jesus Christ, we seek truth and practice faith.
The truth is that climate change is real, human-caused, destructive to people and places, and a long-range unintended consequence of the industrial revolution. Its impacts are being experienced already – causing unjust harm to peoples around the globe. Nations who historically contributed least to climate change are the most directly affected and the most vulnerable.
Our faith is that God has conquered sin and death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As members of his body we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to act as witnesses of God’s power in the world. Practicing faith means seeking a way of life that brings healing to planet and people. We do this individually and collectively as disciples.
The curriculum assumes that young adults are familiar with the basic facts about climate change: it is real, it is human-caused, it is a long-range consequence of the industrial revolution (when society began to burn fossil fuels), the impacts are serious and those impacts unjustly fall on the poorest and most vulnerable. If you are not sure that everyone is familiar with these facts, include review of them in your opening sessions.
In the Introductions Documents you will find many helpful resources, ideas, and grounding principles that will help you walk faithfully with youth and young adults as you engage in discussions of faith and climate justice.