Date of Award

2-2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Christine Roush, DMin

Second Advisor

Randy Woodley, PhD

Abstract

As Christian communities become increasingly interested in engaging with humanity’s biblical connection to the earth, and the spiritual response to this relationship, there is uncertainty regarding the most contextually appropriate methods to pursue. Impressive projects that conserve and honor elements of creation, activities such as community gardens or solar panel installation projects, are often disconnected from the liturgical life of the congregation. Conversely, honoring creation and the biblical connection people of faith have with nature is a widely under practiced liturgical activity. This paper argues that the most direct and practical method to enhance a congregation’s awareness of their spiritual relationship with the earth, is by emphasizing the creation themes found in the readings of the Revised Common Lectionary in the routine liturgical gathering of the community.

Argued and applied throughout six sections, Section 1 names a plethora of biblical examples that state the relationship between humanity and creation and explores this spiritual bond. An overview of common methods congregations have attempted to best engage with the earth, their outcomes and shortfalls is the focus of Section 2. The main thesis is presented in Section 3. This section includes as an historical overview of the relationship between liturgy and lectionary, an analysis of the creation themes found in the Revised Common Lectionary, and culminates in a call for a new lectionary device that directly engages the biblical text, the liturgical year, and creation. Section 4 provides an introductory glimpse into the artifact, titled the Green Lectionary, a lectionary resource providing creation themed commentary for each reading found in the Revised Common Lectionary. Additional information regarding the Green Lectionary can be found in Section 5. Section 6 includes an overview of key learnings and suggestions for further study.

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