1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION – A powerful earthquake struck Japan on March 11, 2011. The quake triggered a tsunami a short time later which, in turn, set into motion the events leading to the failure of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. This resulted in radioactive contamination of the local environment. The health consequences will likely continue for decades and may well extend beyond the borders of Japan. Disasters frequently lead to such cascading events though are usually less dramatic and far reaching. As Christians, our response to a disaster should be one of compassion, but as health planners, we must anticipate potential problems and communicate the associated risks of those problems without producing unwarranted fear. By March 24, 2011, the concern of a radioactive cloud reaching the United States sparked debate on whether Californians should begin taking iodine tablets.

a. (400 WORDS – 2 sources) Determine the realistic risk of radiation from food, water, or air, and write an advisory of the risk and actions to be taken by Californians to protect their health against the risk of radiation. Discuss a Christian worldview

b. (400 WORDS – 2 sources) Discuss two ways that an advisory be improved. Reference x2 related bible verses.

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION – What we should have, individually and corporately, is a situation where, on the basis of the work of Christ, Christianity is seen to be not just “pie in the sky,” but something that has in it the possibility of substantial healings now in every area where there are divisions because of the fall. First of all, my division from God is healed by justification, but then there must be the “existential reality” of this moment by moment. Second, there is the psychological division of man from himself. Third, the sociological divisions of man from other men. And last, the division of man from nature, and nature from nature. In all of these areas we should do what we can to bring forth substantial healing.

a. (400 WORDS– 2 sources) Formulate your personal philosophy of how Christians should Biblically respond to environmental issues.

b. (400 WORDS– 2 sources) List two practical plans that a local church could adopt to respond to environmental issues in the community.

3. BACKGROUND INFORMATION – In Colonial Philadelphia, it was considered not only immoral but illegal to bathe more than monthly. Many community leaders of the time felt that exposure to nakedness (even one’s own) initiated immoral thoughts, and thereby, promoted promiscuity. Thankfully, we have moved beyond that particular more. Clearly, different people have differing standards for the determination of undesirability. The old adage, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is equally true in reverse. Personal rights and the ability to make one’s own choices are good things, but they must be balanced with responsibility. This is especially true when our choices have the potential to impact others. 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24 (ESV) says, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” The Apostle Paul was writing about meat in the previous passage but applying the concept of behavioral choices to edify others. This is equally true as we balance rights and responsibility.

a. (400 WORDS– 2 sources) In light of your personal conservation effort, consider the balance of personal choices and societal measures to force change. What societal/governmental measures might/should be employed to assist in the conservation effort?

b. (400 WORDS– 2 sources) provide x2 constructive critiques of potential suggested measures. X2 bible verse.

4. BACKGROUND INFORMATION – In the concluding chapter of Pollution and the Death of Man, Udo Middleman discusses how his children have a different view of environmental issues than his generation did1. So much of our worldview is based on the ideas we are exposed to through the media. Explore the environmental issues/attitudes that you see in media. Briefly tell us about a movie, TV show, advertisement, etc. that has an environmental message.

a. (400 WORDS– 2 sources) What does the literature and the Bible have to say about this?

b. (400 WORDS– 2 sources) Discuss two ways that the church and Christians can promote a worldview that follows a biblical stance on environmental issues and conservation.