Interviewees David Pecusa, Bina Nir, and Kate Rigby discuss the climate emergency. Topics include repairing the climate crisis and social injustices, traditional Hopi farming practices, the rich history of the land, revolutionary concepts in the Genesis creation story, and the origins of patriarchy and exploitative language.
The concept of dominion over nature, rooted in the book of Genesis, has contributed to humanity's destructive behavior towards the environment.
The patriarchal nature of Western culture perpetuates the subjugation of women and the exploitation of the natural world.
Deep dives
The Ecological Crisis and Humanity's Responsibility
The podcast episode explores the interconnectedness of the ecological crisis and the cultural values embedded in Western religions. It questions the idea of dominion over nature and argues that this concept, rooted in the book of Genesis, has contributed to humanity's destructive behavior towards the environment. The podcast highlights that different interpretations of dominion exist, ranging from a destructive view of exploiting nature to a more responsible stewardship approach. It acknowledges the tension between religious teachings and the detrimental impact of human actions on the natural world. The episode also emphasizes the historical role of patriarchy in reinforcing power dynamics and shaping humanity's view of nature and its resources.
The Role of Western Religions and Patriarchy
The episode discusses the influence of Western religions, particularly Christianity, in shaping humanity's perspective on dominion and the relationship with the environment. It examines the revolutionary shift introduced in the book of Genesis, where an abstract God separates from nature and grants humanity dominion over creation. The interpretation of dominion as power and control over nature has had significant consequences. The episode emphasizes the patriarchal nature of Western culture and how it perpetuates the subjugation of women and the exploitation of the natural world. It highlights the need to explore alternative interpretations of dominion and challenge the underlying power dynamics within society.
Interpretations of Dominion and Responsibility
The episode delves into various interpretations of dominion, ranging from a sense of superiority and entitlement to a perspective of stewardship and responsibility. It examines the writings of influential Christian thinkers like Basil of Caesarea and Augustine, who acknowledged the value and marvels of nature. However, it also recognizes the inconsistencies within religious texts and teachings, where conflicting messages regarding dominion and preservation of the natural world exist. The podcast explores the tension between humanity's unique capabilities for destruction and the ethical obligation to protect and care for the environment.
Historical Context and Cultural Impact
The episode provides historical context by highlighting the transition from ancient cultures living in harmony with nature to the emergence of a Western culture driven by dominion over the environment. It discusses the impact of this cultural shift on human behavior, including the exploitation of nature and the dominance of patriarchal systems. The podcast challenges the notion of human exceptionalism and the separation of humanity from nature, arguing that this perspective has contributed to the ecological crisis. It raises questions about cultural values, societal structures, and the underlying forces that led to humanity's unsustainable relationship with the natural world.
Part 1 of our series on the climate emergency. How did we drive ourselves into the ecological ditch? And, crucially, who is this ‘we’? Our story starts with … Genesis.
By host and producer John Biewen, with co-host Amy Westervelt. Interviews with David Pecusa, Bina Nir, and Kate Rigby.
The series editor is Cheryl Devall. Music by Lili Haydn, Kim Carroll, Chris Westlake, Alex Weston, and Cora Miron. Music consulting by Joe Augustine of Narrative Music. Season 5 is supported by Scene on Radio listener-donors, and by the International Women’s Media Foundation.
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