Green Drinks - Faith Based Perspective on Climate Change

9 Apr 2014

Wednesday April 9th at 6PM at the Lenoir Rhyne University Graduate Center Asheville for a presentation on Faith-Based Perspectives on Climate Change.

Many faith-based efforts have brought attention to and inspired action around addressing our changing climate. Sometimes less visible to the environmental community, and often taking place outside of politically divided cultural wars, these efforts include initiatives that have moved beyond secular thought and offer moral, religious, and spiritual reasons to take action on behalf of Creation and nature. Perspectives among faiths vary, and each has played an important role in helping move society toward more enlightened action to benefit the planet and ourselves.
Join us for a discussion exploring various faith-based perspectives on climate change. Discussion leaders will explore various denominational statements, personal journeys, and community actions related to addressing problems associated with climate change. The panel will include lay leaders and local clergy who have been at the center of the faith led movements responding to climate change through Caring for Creation, WNC Green Congregations, and various community engagements. Faiths represented include Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism. The panelists will share perspectives and engage attendees in a dialogue that seeks to find areas for collaboration, common ground, and enhanced learning.
Edward Hauser, Ph.D. will be speaking on behalf of the Lutheran community, exploring the intersection of theology and ecology and will present a biblical perspective on climate change. Dr. Hauser is a retired Professor Emeritus (having taught at Cleveland State University, Kent State University, The Ohio State University, Lakeland College), well published in academic journals, an active member of St. Marks Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Asheville, past Chair of the Nature Conservancy in Ohio, Past NSF Fellow, and has been greatly involved with Caring for Creation (for over 10 years) and many other faith-based initiatives in WNC and beyond. He also currently runs a consulting firm here in Asheville.
Richard Fireman, M.D., will be speaking on behalf of Buddhism. Richard is a retired physician who founded the Green Sangha of WNC in 2002 and is the co-founder of WNC Green Congregations. Richard is our local go-to person when it comes to understanding faith-based perspectives on climate change.
Rabbi Justin Goldstein was ordained by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, CA. Born and raised in a secular home near Chicago, IL, Justin discovered his deep love and admiration of Hebrew Scripture while studying ancient history and religion at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. While in rabbinical school, Justin taught regularly on environmental sustainability and food security, eventually volunteering as a Rabbinic Fellow for Hazon, the largest Jewish environmental organization in North America. Understanding that the Jewish tradition thrives on multiple viewpoints and is made healthier by various perspectives, Justin believes a bright future of coexistence is possible and seeks to foster respectful dialogue and peaceful communication believing that a sustainable world demands both care and respect for both human society and the environment which binds us all together. A fourth (surprise) panelist may be joining this impressive group.
Come out and join this conversation. Socializing begins at 5:30 and the event runs from 6-7PM on the . All are invited.
Location: 2nd floor of 36 Montford Ave, Asheville
(Lenoir-Rhyne University and the Visitor Center) in the Conference Room
Mark Times:
Socializing: 5:30-6:00 pm
Presentation: 6:00-7:00 pm
Socializing: 7:00 pm…