Episode 2—Coming Home with Dr. Dorothy Boorse: Creation Care, Climate Justice & Shalom

Episode Summary In this episode of The Coming Home Podcast by Gordon College, host Dr. Nathaniel Perez welcomes Dr. Dorothy Boorse—beloved professor, ecologist, and longtime advocate for sustainability and environmental justice. Together, they explore the deep interconnection between faith, creation care, and loving one’s neighbor. Dr. Boorse shares stories from her Mennonite upbringing, her academic journey into ecology, and reflections from a recent student trip to Hawaii. They discuss the Christian call to steward the Earth, how climate change impacts the most vulnerable, and why sustainability, systemic justice, and Shalom must be part of the Church’s mission today. Guest Bio Dr. Dorothy Boorse is a Professor of Biology at Gordon College and a national voice in the intersection of science and faith. A contributing author of Loving the Least of These: Addressing a Changing Environment (National Association of Evangelicals), she brings decades of expertise in wetland ecology, sustainability, and environmental ethics. Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 — “Taking care of the environment is part of loving your neighbor.” 00:35 — Introducing Dr. Boorse: faith, science, and a love for Gordon College 01:14 — Childhood on a 300-year-old farm and a strong sense of place 03:20 — Growing up with science: dolls, insects, and becoming a teacher 04:46 — Finding God’s calling through ecology and environmental studies 06:23 — A transformative student trip to Hawaii and learning from native voices 10:59 — The power of gratitude, ceremony, and slowing down 12:20 — Climate change, simplicity, and Christian responsibility 15:03 — Who are the “least of these”? Environmental injustice in action 19:19 — How climate change impacts us all: water cycles, storms, asthma, and more 23:27 — Why talking about climate change matters—and how to do it 25:44 — Students want solutions, not just awareness 26:18 — Connecting the Great Commission with creation care 28:05 — Why Christians must address systemic injustice 29:35 — What is sustainability, and how does it relate to home? 32:21 — Reclaiming community, critique, and hospitality in a hyper-individualistic world 35:31 — Diversity in nature, humanity, and the Church 38:24 — Shalom and sustainability: caring for creation as Christian witness 41:50 — “There is a role for everybody.” Hope and urgency in creation care 44:04 — Real-world examples: Flint, Jackson, and the need for cross-disciplinary action 46:13 — Encouraging students to integrate sustainability into every major 48:21 — What this should look like from the pulpit: Shalom, sacrifice, and stewardship Notable Quotes “Taking care of the environment is part of loving your neighbor as yourself.” “The problem is real, it's here, it’s big—and there are things we can do about it.” “You can study anything and care about sustainability. There is a role for everybody.” “If Christians don’t lead in this, someone else will—and we’ll have lost our voice.” “Sustainability means meeting today’s needs without undermining tomorrow’s.” Resources & Mentions Loving the Least of These – National Association of Evangelicals Laudato Si’ – Encyclical by Pope Francis on caring for our common home Gordon College Environmental Science: gordon.edu/earth Connect with Us 💬 Follow host Dr. Nathaniel Perez on LinkedIn 🏫 Learn more about Gordon College at gordon.edu/cominghome 🎧 Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app