Video-based Adult Christian Study Curriculum

Long before there were synagogues, churches or even the Bible, God made God’s self known through the creation. The Scriptures are packed full of examples of people coming to understand God through the fig tree, the sparrow, violent storms, and of course Living Waters.

Today, we live largely separate and disconnected from the Earth and its ecological processes, and yet this knowing of God in and through God’s creation is still embedded deep within us. We experience it in a sunrise or a sunset, an awe-inspiring mountain range or a gentle stream. And we grieve together for the role we have played in the precarious state of the creation today.

This seven-week study is meant to awaken this visceral knowing of the Creator through the creation, reconnect us with the sacred landscapes we call home, encourage us to provide space and time for spiritual reflection in nature, and to live in greater harmony with God’s Earth.

Nature: Our First Way of Knowing God includes videos, discussion questions, and a suggested spiritual practice in nature — Try This — for each week that can be done either individually or as a group. The study also encourages participants to examine and transform their own lifestyles to help bring health and wholeness to God’s beloved creation.

Available on download.

Product Description

Presenter

Beth Norcross is the founder and executive director of the Center for Spirituality in Nature (centerforspiritualityinnature.org) and an adjunct faculty member at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, where she has developed and taught courses on eco-spirituality and eco-theology. She regularly speaks, teaches, and writes about the importance of immersion in nature as an essential way to encounter the Divine Mystery deeply and intimately, and to foster a healthy relationship with the Earth.

After receiving a B.A. in mathematics and a Master of Forestry from Duke University, Beth spent the early part of her career working as professional staff for the U.S. Senate National Parks and Forests Subcommittee. After leaving the Senate, Beth worked as Vice President of Conservation for American Rivers. Then she returned to school to study the interface between ecology and theology at Wesley Theological Seminary, completing a Master of Theological Studies and Doctor of Ministry degrees specializing in eco-spirituality.

7-Session Study Includes

Videos
Study and Discussion Guide
Try This, suggested spiritual practices in nature

Video Presentations

1. From the Beginning (8:52)
2. Provision and Thanksgiving (8:24)
3. The Spirituality of Water (9:46)
4. Connection and Compassion (9:08)
5. Death and Grief in Nature (7:00)
6. Renewal and Response (8:19)
7. Developing a Regular Spiritual Practice in Nature (7:15)

Session 1 sample video presentation:

Study and Discussion Guide

Each Study and Discussion Guide unit includes scripture, a brief reading, discussion questions, and Try This, a suggested spiritual practice in nature.

Session 1 sample Study and Discussion Guide pages:

Instructional Segments

Session 1: From the Beginning

From the Beginning video
Study and Discussion Guide — Session 1: From the Beginning
Try This — Lectio Divina in Nature

Session 2: Provision and Thanksgiving

Provision and Thanksgiving video
Study and Discussion Guide — Session 2: Provision and Thanksgiving
Try This — Eating Meditation

Session 3: The Spirituality of Water

The Spirituality of Water video
Study and Discussion Guide — Session 3: The Spirituality of Water
Try This — Mindful Drinking

Session 4: Connection and Compassion

Connection and Compassion video
Study and Discussion Guide — Session 4: Connection and Compassion
Try This — What is it Like to be You?

Session 5: Death and Grief in Nature

Death and Grief in Nature video
Study and Discussion Guide — Session 5: Death and Grief in Nature
Try This — Write a Lament Psalm for the Earth

Session 6: Renewal and Response

Renewal and Response video
Study and Discussion Guide — Session 6: Renewal and Response
Try This — Renewal

Session 7: Developing a Regular Spiritual Practice in Nature

Class Developing a Regular Spiritual Practice in Nature video
Study and Discussion Guide — Session 7: Developing a Regular Spiritual Practice in Nature
Try This — Sacred Circle

About the Download Files

This video-based study curriculum is 3.56 GB in total and may take several minutes to download. We recommend a broadband connection for faster download times.

Upon purchase you will receive links to download each video (MP4) and document (PDF) file separately. Video files range from 434 MB to 587 MB each, and document files are less than 2.6 MB.

Usage Rights

Nature: Our First Way of Know God is designed for use within a single congregation or charge. To purchase rights for further distribution, please contact the Lewis Center at (202) 664-5700 or lewiscenter@wesleyseminary.edu. Bulk rates are available.

Autumn leaves

Nature: Our First Way of Knowing God