Worldviews and Christianity in environmental education

Authors

• Panu Pihkala Helsingin yliopisto

Abstract

The article studies the role of worldviews in environmental education, which has been in Finnish research a nearly non-existent theme. The growing interest in worldviews in international environmental education research is displayed, and possible reasons for the lack of it in the Finnish discussion are elaborated on. The role of Christianity is given special attention. The critique towards the environmental liability of Christianity is brought into new light by discussing international eco-theological research and by studying exemplary material from the history of the Finnish school system. Beginning from the latter half of the 1800s, many pioneering educators have represented a conservationist worldview based on Christianity. The education philosophy of Aukusti Salo (1887–1951) is found to include a strong holistic understanding of the interdependence of humans and the rest of nature. From the 1970s on the science-type environmental teaching gains more prominence, and as a result humankind is separated from the rest of nature more strongly.