Theology Professor Presented at Conference in Rome
Earlier this year, Erin Lothes, an assistant theology professor at SEU, presented
at the Ethics in Action Conference in Rome.
This conference, co-hosted by the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the United
Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Religions for Peace, encouraged
both global and ethical leaders to develop a shared moral consensus on the challenges
of sustainable development. Lothes, who recently published a book Inspired Sustainability: Planting Seeds for Action on this topic, spoke about the importance of divesting from fossil fuels.
"Catholicism, and most world religions, teach that as people of faith we have an obligation
to honor God and God is the creator of a beautiful world meant for everybody," says
Lothes. "We owe God the reverence to take care of this world."
Lothes went on to liken consideration for the environment to a visible and tangible
sign of God's love.
"I look at this in a spiritual and sacramental way. When we think about a sacrament,
the love of God is made visible," says Lothes. "I believe when we use our money to
create a healthy, clean environment instead of promoting an unhealthy one, that is
a visible sign of our love. In that way, it is a sacrament."
In order to protect our earthly home, Lothes urges a transition to clean energy.
"To make a positive impact on the environment right now, people can call their utilities
and request clean energy choices," says Lothes. "Most utilities have these options
and it is the single most important action we can all take to ensure more clean energy
is utilized."
According to Lothes, protecting and respecting the environment is just a question
of survival.
"Because of climate change, people are losing their homes, being impacted by stronger
hurricanes and affected by steadily increasing sea levels," says Lothes. "It's making
some parts of the world entirely unlivable."
Lothes' point is quite clear: "if we care for ourselves and for our neighbors, and
honor God, then we have to care for creation."
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The Graduate Theology Program is fully online and offers four distinct tracks for the M.A. in Theology, as well as several non-degree opportunities at the graduate level. Through the broad curriculum, students have tremendous flexibility to shape their program to fit their interests and needs. Through critical analysis, Graduate Theology students develop an in-depth knowledge of the core areas of theology, inclusive of Christian thought and praxis.
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Fr. Joseph Farias, MA, DLitt
Visiting Assistant Professor
(973) 290-4379
jfarias@steu.edu
Annunciation Center 315
Ryan McLaughlin, Ph.D.
Chairperson and Director of Graduate Theology
(973) 290-4371
rmclaughlin@steu.edu
Annunciation Center 310
Anthony Santamaria, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Philosophy
(973) 290-4338
asantamaria@steu.edu
Santa Rita Hall 405
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Theology
Ryan McLaughlin, Ph.D
Program Director
Annunciation Center Upper Level
Phone: (973) 290-4371
rmclaughlin@steu.edu