Nature: Our First Way of Knowing God

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.