Lieberman, Gretchen Hughes, 1973-2008-02-102008-02-102004-12https://hdl.handle.net/1794/757xi, 119 p.A print copy of this title is available through the UO Libraries under the call number: KNIGHT BT695.5 .L53 2004There is growing evidence of an environmental movement within the religious sector. However, this phenomenon, referred to as faith-based environmentalism (FBE), is only present in some congregations. Previous research has investigated whether or not certain religious characteristics are associated with support for environmental issues. Building off this earlier quantitative work, this study seeks to determine what individual and collective qualities contribute to the presence of FBE. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using surveys and individual interviews from four congregations in Eugene-Springfield, Oregon. It was found that the social gospel tradition in mainline Protestantism and the corresponding tikkun olam emphasis of liberal Judaism are key theological variables correlated with FBE. Additionally, strong leadership from the clergy (in conjunction with the laity's tolerance for leadership) was found to be equally essential. This thesis concludes that despite religion's potential, these variables are critical for a faith-based response to environmental issues.256585 bytes6370590 bytes4227 bytes2273 bytestext/plainapplication/pdftext/plaintext/plainen-USEnvironmentalism -- Religious aspectsNature -- Religious aspectsThesis