A series of free discussions on the relationship between the environment and theology including what Christians can learn from Native American culture will be held in Marquette, Michigan on Tuesday evenings in November.

Sponsored by the Turtle Island Project (TIP) in Munising, the seminars will examine whether Christianity is partially to blame for the ecological crisis and whether Christianity offers a viable solution to the problem.

The seminars will include discussion on what western religions can learn from earth-based spiritualities and the contribution of Native American spirituality to the solution of the ecological crisis.

TIP Director Lynn Rev. Dr. Hubbard of Munising will read selections from the works of Leonardo Boff, Vine Deloria, Jr., George Tinker and Steve Charleston.

The seminars will be held from 7-10 p.m. Tuesdays, November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2007 at Upfront & Company restaurant in Marquette, Michigan

The seminars are free but donations are welcome to defray expenses.

The TIP seminar
s are the latest in a series of public events schedule through the summer of 2008 that are part of the Grand Island Retreat and Conference and Retreat Program.

The TIP promotes respect for the environment and for the Native American culture.

Pre-registration for the ecological seminar is required by October 30, 2007.

You can register by calling 906-387-5615 or visit:  turtleislandproject.org

 Ecumenical Retreat - Quest for Harmony: The Contemplation of Nature in the Christian Tradition

The Ecumenical Retreat - Quest for Harmony: The Contemplation of Nature in the Christian Tradition - will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, November 9, 2007 at Eden on the Bay Lutheran Church in Munising, Michigan

This free retreat is for all spiritual communities in the Upper Peninsula and to those seeking to learn how to pray with others.

The event will be lead by Rev. Dr. George Carins, an experienced practitioner of many forms of traditional Christian spirituality and an expert in Celtic Christianity
**(Friendly fyi - Celtic is pronounced Kell-Tick - not like BB team).

Dr. Cairns will lead an exploration on the history of Christian Spirituality, and the importance of nature, in the Christian tradition.

The event is “a contemplative and prayerful time, shared in a caring community of fellow Christians.”

The seminar series - In the Spirit of the Earth: Ecology and Spiritual Liberation - will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays in November (Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27) at the Upfront & Company restaurant  in Marquette, Michigan

The series includes discussions on the relationship between ecology and theology.

Questions to be discussed include:

Is Christianity partially to blame for the ecological crisis?

Does Christianity offer a viable solution to the problem?

What can western religions learn from earth-based spiritualities?

What is the contribution of Native American spirituality to the solution of the ecological crisis?

The seminar includes reading of some works from Leonardo Boff, Vine Deloria, Jr., George Tinker and Steve Charleston.