The Earth is God’s creation!  As we study the Earth, we study God’s workmanship.

In Geography 1013 & 1023 /100 &101, you are encouraged to see the study of the Earth — God’s masterpiece — as part of a larger appreciation of God’s work in the world, and in your life.

As we study God’s world, we learn about God, the creator, as well as God the sustainer, Savior, and Spirit at work in our world.

Some of the issues we deal with, include:

Science and Faith

To some scientists, good science is incompatible with Christian faith.  For some Christians, their faith appears to be at odds with scientific enquiry.  In this course we will consider these perceptions.  I believe that good science is perfectly compatible with good theological study and vice versa.  Science is one -- excellent -- tool God has given us to help us understand His creation better.  We understand God (and His creation) better through rigorous scientific enquiry.

Our scientific research is always under the direction of our Creator, God.  No scientific discovery can ever "disprove" God.  In fact, a good theological understanding of creation and the Creator infuses science with purpose, value, and ethics.

The Creator and Creation

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth ..." (Genesis 1:1) is a profound statement that affects the way we see, understand, and act within God's creation.

The Psalmist echoes the same sentiments:

"The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.
For when he spoke, the world began!  It appeared at his command."

(Psalm 33:6-9)

A biblical faith understands that our world is not simply "nature" -- with no intrinsic value.  As a Christian, you are invited to see the natural world around you as God's creation.

Stewardship

Because "the earth is the Lord's" (Psalm 24:1) we are called to be wise stewards of creation (fulfilling our mandate in Genesis 2:15).  A Christian perspective on geography recognizes that humanity has a role in caring for, nurturing, and protecting God’s creation.

In each course, you will be encouraged to read Christian writings on science and faith, and environmental ethics by authors such as

    and reflect, from a Christian perspective, on your readings.

Bruce has taught systematic theology at the university level.  He brings a keen interest in both excellent theological study and rigorous scientific enquiry to the courses.  He has taught and read widely in the areas of science and faith, and Christian understandings of environmental issues.

Bruce has been an advisor to the board of A Rocha Canada, a Christian conservation organization.  He is also a regular contributor A Rocha's newsletter (for example, Bruce's piece on "Sympathetic and Synthetic Faith.")

Contact Bruce