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WITNESS TO THE WORD: SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND RELIGION UNIT I: MAN AND OUR COMMON HOME Lesson 3: The Nature of Sin and Fundamental Human Alienation LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course Learning Lesson Learning Outcomes: Outcome/s: At the end of the lesson, the s...

WITNESS TO THE WORD: SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND RELIGION UNIT I: MAN AND OUR COMMON HOME Lesson 3: The Nature of Sin and Fundamental Human Alienation LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course Learning Lesson Learning Outcomes: Outcome/s: At the end of the lesson, the students are able to: CLO4. Compose a reflection and or narrative regarding 1. Describe the different types of sin and their effects one’s realizations on one’s on human relationships with God, self, others, and creation. relationship with the Word. 2. Cultivate a sense of responsibility to act justly and CLO5 Participate actively in care for the environment in response to the social and service oriented, programs environmental consequences of sin and human and of activities of one’s alienation. community. 3 Collaborate with others in developing and implementing projects that address the social and environmental consequences of sin and human alienation. TEACHING-LEARNING ACTIVITIES (TLA) Part I: CONTEXTUALIZATION Locally, the Philippines faces various social, economic, and environmental problems that are rooted in sin and human alienation. Poverty, inequality, corruption, and violence are among the social issues that stem from human greed, selfishness, and disregard for others. The degradation of natural resources, pollution, deforestation, and climate change are among the environmental issues that arise from human exploitation and mismanagement of the earth. These problems have significant impacts on the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos, especially the poor and vulnerable. Globally, the issues of sin and human alienation manifest in different ways, but they also have far-reaching consequences. Climate change, for instance, is a global problem that is caused by the collective actions of humans who have exploited the earth's resources and emitted greenhouse gases. This problem affects not only the Philippines but also other countries, particularly those that are most vulnerable to its impacts. Migration, conflicts, and inequality are also global issues that have roots in sin and human alienation. As Christians, our understanding of sin and human alienation can inform our response to these local and global problems. We can acknowledge our complicity in perpetuating these problems and seek forgiveness and transformation through repentance and reconciliation. We can also work towards promoting justice, mercy, and care for all creation as part of our mission to love God and our neighbor. This involves not only personal transformation but also collective action, advocacy, and collaboration with others who share our concerns and values. In summary, the nature of sin and human alienation is a universal issue that affects both the local and global context. As Christians, we are called to respond to these issues by promoting love, justice, and care for all creation, and by working towards the reconciliation of humanity with God, self, others, and creation. Motivational Activities 1. Creative expression: Encourage learners to express their insights and reflections on the lesson through creative means, such as art, music, poetry, or storytelling. This can help to deepen their understanding of the lesson and to communicate their ideas to others. Introduction The topic of Lesson 3 is the Nature of Sin and Fundamental Human Alienation in relation to local and environmental problems in the Philippines. This topic is relevant to the Philippine context because the country faces various local and environmental problems that are rooted in sin and human alienation, such as poverty, injustice, pollution, deforestation, and climate change. By understanding the nature of sin and human alienation, Christians can gain insight into the causes and consequences of these problems and be motivated to take action in response. In this discussion, we will cover the definition and types of sin, the concept of human alienation, the local and environmental problems in the Philippines, and the implications for Christian action.  Part II: EXPOSITION/ DISCUSSION/ DEEPENING Sin is a fundamental concept in Christian theology that refers to any thought, word, deed, or omission that violates God's will and goes against the divine order of creation. Sin is seen as a condition of human fallenness that results from disobedience to God's commands and leads to estrangement from God, self, others, and creation. The concept of sin is derived from the Bible, especially the Genesis account of the fall of Adam and Eve, and is central to the Christian understanding of salvation and redemption. A. There are several types of sin that are recognized in Christian theology: 1. Original Sin: This refers to the inherited condition of human fallenness that results from the first human beings' disobedience to God's command in the Garden of Eden. According to Christian doctrine, all human beings are born with original sin and are in need of salvation through Christ's atoning work. 2. Personal Sin: This refers to the individual acts of disobedience and wrongdoing that human beings commit, such as lying, stealing, and committing adultery. Personal sin is considered to be a deliberate choice and a violation of God's law. 3. Social Sin: This refers to the systemic and structural patterns of injustice, oppression, and violence that are embedded in social institutions and practices, such as racism, sexism, and economic exploitation. Social sin is seen as a collective responsibility that requires systemic change and transformation. B. Sin affects human relationships in various ways: 1. Relationship with God: Sin creates a barrier between human beings and God, and leads to a sense of guilt, shame, and separation from the divine. The biblical prophet Isaiah says, "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you" (Isaiah 59:2). 2. Relationship with Self: Sin distorts the human identity and sense of worth, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-condemnation. The Apostle Paul writes, "For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out" (Romans 7:18). 3. Relationship with Others: Sin creates conflicts, divisions, and brokenness in human relationships, leading to injustice, oppression, and violence. The Apostle James writes, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?" (James 4:1).  4. Relationship with Creation: Sin leads to the exploitation and destruction of the natural environment, and contributes to the ecological crisis that threatens the well- being of all living beings. The Apostle Paul writes, "For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God" (Romans 8:20-21). C. Fundamental Human Alienation Human alienation - refers to a sense of separation or disconnection from oneself, others, and the world. It is a fundamental aspect of human experience and is often seen as a consequence of sin and brokenness. Human alienation takes various forms, including spiritual, psychological, social, and ecological. 1. Spiritual Alienation: This refers to a sense of distance or separation from God, the divine, or a higher power. It can arise from a variety of reasons, including sin, doubt, and a lack of faith. Spiritual alienation can manifest as a feeling of emptiness, meaninglessness, or despair. 2. Psychological Alienation: This refers to a sense of disconnection from oneself, one's emotions, or one's own identity. It can arise from trauma, abuse, or social conditioning. Psychological alienation can manifest as a feeling of estrangement, loneliness, or a lack of purpose. 3. Social Alienation: This refers to a sense of disconnection or exclusion from others, such as one's family, community, or society. It can arise from factors such as poverty, discrimination, or social injustice. Social alienation can manifest as a feeling of isolation, marginalization, or powerlessness. 4. Ecological Alienation: This refers to a sense of disconnection or alienation from the natural environment and the non-human world. It can arise from factors such as consumerism, industrialization, or a lack of ecological awareness. Ecological alienation can manifest as a feeling of separation or estrangement from nature, a lack of concern for the environment, or a sense of entitlement over natural resources. Human alienation is rooted in sin and the brokenness of human nature. It affects the way humans relate to God, self, others, and creation by creating a sense of separation, estrangement, or disconnection. Alienation from God leads to a sense of guilt, shame, and spiritual emptiness. Alienation from self leads to a sense of confusion, doubt, and a lack of identity. Alienation from others leads to a sense of loneliness, exclusion, and so cial fragmentation. Alienation from creation leads to a sense of exploitation, degradation, and environmental crisis. The consequences of human alienation are social and environmental. Social consequences include poverty, social injustice, and violence, while environmental consequences include ecological degradation, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity. These consequences are interconnected and require systemic change and transformation. These concepts and ideas are derived from Christian theology and ecological thought, and have been developed and discussed by theologians and environmentalists throughout the history of Christianity. References include the Bible, theological writings, and ecological literature. D. Local and Environmental Problems in the Philippines In the Philippine context, many environmental problems can be traced back to human alienation and sin. The exploitation of natural resources, the neglect of the poor, and the lack of care for creation are all interconnected and rooted in systemic issues related to sin and brokenness. 1. Exploitation of Natural Resources: The Philippines is a resource-rich country, but the exploitation of these resources has often been driven by greed, corruption, and a lack of concern for the environment. This exploitation has led to deforestation, mining, and other activities that have resulted in soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The desire for profit and economic growth has often taken precedence over the well-being of the environment and its inhabitants. 2. Neglect of the Poor: Poverty is a pervasive problem in the Philippines, with many communities lacking access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare. This neglect is rooted in systemic issues related to inequality, corruption, and a lack of concern for the common good. The neglect of the poor has resulted in environmental problems such as waste mismanagement and pollution, as well as the destruction of natural habitats for the sake of development. 3. Lack of Care for Creation: The Philippines is known for its natural beauty, but the lack of care for creation has led to environmental degradation and crisis. This lack of care is rooted in a worldview that prioritizes human domination over creation, rather than stewardship and care. The degradation of the environment  has led to issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and the destruction of natural habitats. These problems are related to human alienation and sin because they reflect a lack of concern for the well-being of others and the environment. They stem from a brokenness in human nature that prioritizes self-interest and short-term gain over the common good and the long-term health of the planet. Christian theology provides a framework for understanding the interconnectedness of these issues and the need for systemic change. The concept of sin and human alienation helps to explain why these problems persist and why they require a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of these issues. Additionally, the call to care for creation and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) provides a moral imperative to address these issues and work towards a more just and sustainable future. References: Laudato Si' by Pope Francis “Ecological Spirituality in the Filipino Context" by Agnes M. Brazal "Christianity, Ecology and the Environment: How Should Christians Think about the Environment?" by Emy M. Mendoza D1. The Philippines is facing numerous environmental problems that are having a negative impact on its natural resources, public health, and economic development. Here are some of the major local and environmental problems in the Philippines: 1. Urbanization: The rapid pace of urbanization in the Philippines has led to issues such as congestion, inadequate housing, and a lack of basic services such as water and sanitation. As cities continue to expand, there is increasing pressure on natural resources, leading to issues such as water scarcity and soil erosion. 2. Pollution: Pollution is a major problem in the Philippines, particularly in urban areas where industrial and vehicular emissions contribute to poor air quality. Water pollution is also a major concern, with industrial and domestic waste contaminating waterways and coastal areas. 3. Deforestation: Deforestation is a significant issue in the Philippines, with widespread logging and land conversion leading to loss of forest cover and biodiversity. Deforestation also contributes to soil erosion and exacerbates the impact of natural disasters such as floods and landslides.  4. Climate Change: The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, stronger typhoons, and more frequent droughts. These impacts are already being felt across the country, leading to crop failures, displacement, and economic losses. These environmental problems are interconnected and require a comprehensive approach that addresses their root causes. This may include policies that promote sustainable urban development, more stringent regulations on industrial pollution, reforestation and biodiversity conservation efforts, and adaptation measures to address the impacts of climate change. References: "Philippines Environment Monitor 2019: Strengthening Environmental Institutions and Increasing Investments in Natural Capital" by the World Bank "Philippine Environment: Trends and Issues" by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources "Climate Change in the Philippines: A Contribution to the Country Environmental Analysis" by the Asian Development Bank. Part III: INTEGRATION Understanding sin and human alienation has significant implications for Christian action in response to local and environmental problems. Here are some of the key implications and practical ways that Christians can respond: 1. Repentance and Reconciliation: Christians should recognize their role in contributing to sin and human alienation and seek repentance and reconciliation with God, self, others, and creation. This includes a commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus Christ, such as loving one's neighbor and caring for the poor and marginalized (Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 25:31-46). 2. Justice: Christians should also work towards justice, which involves addressing the root causes of local and environmental problems, such as poverty, inequality, and exploitation. This includes advocating for policies that promote sustainable development, social justice, and environmental protection, as well as supporting organizations that work towards these goals (Isaiah 1:17, Amos 5:24).  3. Environmental Stewardship: Christians should also practice environmental stewardship, which involves caring for God's creation and using natural resources responsibly. This includes adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting renewable energy sources. It also involves promoting environmental education and awareness, both within the Church and in the wider community (Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm 24:1-2). Overall, Christian action in response to local and environmental problems should be grounded in a deep understanding of sin and human alienation, as well as a commitment to repentance, reconciliation, and justice. This involves both individual and collective action, as Christians work together to address these pressing issues. References: "Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home" by Pope Francis "The Earth is the Lord's: A Christian Perspective on Sustainable Development" by Calvin B. DeWitt "The Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation" by Richard Bauckham and C. Norman Kraus Part IV: ASSESSMENT 1. Quiz or Exam: A quiz or exam will be given that covers the key concepts and ideas presented in the lesson. The quiz or exam can include multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions that test students' understanding of the material. 2. Group Presentations: Divide the class into small groups and ask each group to prepare a presentation on a specific aspect of sin and human alienation covered in the lesson. The groups can present their findings to the class, followed by a question and answer session. Name: Program and Year: Professor: Schedule: Exercise #3 Reflection Paper: Ask students to write a reflection paper on the nature of sin and human alienation, based on their understanding of the lesson. Students can discuss their thoughts on the concept of sin, its impact on human nature, and the ways in which it leads to human alienation from self, others, and God. Self Others Nature God