In a very influential paper published in 1967, historian Lynn White Jr. cited Christianity as the historical root of our ecologic crisis. Environmental studies professor Cal DeWitt, however, counters that Christianity actually fostered a “stewardship tradition” that is the historical root of our ecological ethic.

DeWitt, a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, will present “License to Despoil, or Mandate to Keep: Resurgence of the Creation Stewardship Tradition in America” from noon to 1 p.m., Friday, April 11, in the Ohio State Room (343) of the Iowa Memorial Union. The talk is part of the Geneva Forum, sponsored by Geneva Campus Ministry.

DeWitt has long been in the forefront of helping to rediscover the stewardship tradition and apply it to current issues such as declining biodiversity, environmental degradation, and climate change. He is winner of the Friends of the United Nations 500 Award as well as a noted author, speaker, and founder of several prominent environmental organizations.

The Geneva Forum meets once a month during the regular school year to pursue “the good, the true, and the beautiful.” Christian faculty, staff, and students speak on how their faith shapes their lives, their work, and their perspectives on university and social issues. For additional information, visit the Geneva Campus Ministry website.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to attend this lecture, call Geneva Campus Ministry in advance at 319-341-0007.