The 5th Mark of Mission is "To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth". The doctrine of creation is a key part of Christian belief, but how in practice do Anglican Christians read some of the texts of the Bible when environmental concerns have become controversial?
The task
For different groups to look at one or more biblical texts, and see what they think these texts tell us about the way Christians should live in this world "safeguarding the integrity of creation and sustaining and renewing the life of the earth". Some groups of course may think that the biblical texts critique this mark of mission and those views needed to be noted as of equal importance.
How we would like you to do it.
We want groups to read the Bible in whatever way they normally would. Most groups, however, have some kind of leader and facilitator, and we have provided a task sheet that should help people in that role.
Most importantly we would like to encourage one person in each group to act as an observer, and make some notes on how the group is using the Bible. After all, the point of the project is to find out how Anglicans read the Bible, and we need to know how your group does that if we are going to report accurately. There is a document for the group observer which should help you report.
Reporting back
Obviously if you don't report back, the project can't do any work. When you've completed your notes of your observations, please email them to us.
The texts
These are the texts we hope you will look at – whether you look at just one, many or all of them, or at others besides.
- Genesis 1-2
- Jeremiah 4:11-31
- Psalm 104
- Song of the Three Young Men 23-68
- Mark 4:1-41
- Romans 8:12-27
- Colossians 1:3-29
- 2 Peter 3:1-13
- What does the passage say about the relationship between Creator and creation?
For example: what does it tell us about God? The nature of humanity? The relationship of human beings to the rest of creation? - What cultural issues are raised by this passage?
For example: what are the implications of the way in which gender is dealt with in this passage? What connections and points of dialogue does this passage raise in relation to other faith communities? - What ethical questions or challenges does this passage raise?
For example: how might it help us in making decisions in relation to the 5th Mark of Mission?
Are there limitations or problems with using this text? Are there gaps? Who benefits/who loses? Who is included/excluded? - What is the Spirit saying to the Churches through this passage?
For example: what concrete and achievable steps might this passage be calling on us to take? Might there be other passages that deepen or challenge our understanding? What is the impact of this passage on the earth? What questions does this raise for our community?
