Dianne Rayson: Bonhoeffer & Theology for the Anthropocene
Jul 5, 2023
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Dr. Dianne Rayson, an expert in Bonhoeffer and ecology, joins the hosts to discuss the connection between Bonhoeffer's work and the climate crisis, theology in the Anthropocene, and the concept of the human creature and creation. They also explore the intersection of religion and science, ethical responsibility, and the role of the church in addressing environmental challenges. Don't miss this insightful conversation!
Bonhoeffer's theology emphasizes the presence of Christ in the material world and calls us to engage fully with the messy realities of the Anthropocene.
Bonhoeffer critiques the approaches of other-worldliness and Christian secularity, urging us to recognize Christ's presence in the world and embrace our role in addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene.
Bonhoeffer's understanding of participation challenges human arrogance and calls us to stand alongside the vulnerable, participate in the suffering of the world, and take radical actions like civil disobedience to address issues like climate change.
Deep dives
Engaging with Bonhoeffer's Theology
Bonhoeffer's theology offers valuable insights for engaging with the challenges of the Anthropocene. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the presence of Christ in the world and engaging with the full reality of the material world, rather than separating out the spiritual and the secular. Bonhoeffer's theology encourages us to break free from ego-centrism and open ourselves to Christ's presence in others, animals, and landscapes. His concept of vulnerability in God challenges traditional notions of divine omniscience and invites us to embrace God's participation in the suffering and imperfections of the world.
Challenges of Escapist and Secular Approaches
Bonhoeffer critiques two problematic approaches: other-worldliness and Christian secularity. Other-worldliness suggests that worldly problems are insignificant because believers will be saved in another realm, while Christian secularity seeks to isolate the church from the rest of the world and define its territory as the kingdom of God. Both approaches fail to recognize that Christ is present in the world and that the kingdom of God encompasses all of creation. Instead of escaping or isolating, we are called to engage fully with the messy realities of the world, understanding that Christ opens us up to meaningful connections with others, creation, and the challenges of the Anthropocene.
Participation and Responsibility in the Kingdom
Bonhoeffer's understanding of participation centers around our responsibility to participate in Christ and the ongoing work of God's kingdom. Rather than emphasizing human power and control, Bonhoeffer highlights God's sovereignty and the work that God does for us and in us. This challenges the arrogance of both religious and secular ideologies that prioritize human agency over divine providence. Bonhoeffer's theology calls us to participate in the suffering of the world, to stand alongside the vulnerable, and to consider radical actions, such as civil disobedience, when necessary to address pressing issues like climate change. Participation in the kingdom means embracing our role in the ongoing work of God's redemption and restoration in the world.
Embracing the Rift Between Humans and the Natural World
Despite our inherent connection and love for nature, there is a rift between humans and the natural world due to our desire to master it, which is ultimately impossible. This dichotomy between awe and wonder for nature and the urge to control it creates a mixed bag reality, exemplified by the vulnerability and majesty of Christ. Bonhoeffer's exploration highlights the importance of accepting this fractured world as part of the nature of Christ and recognizing the sacredness of the entire creation.
Expanding the Notion of Incarnation Beyond Humanity
Bonhoeffer's concept of incarnation goes beyond the human form and encompasses the entirety of creation. This understanding aligns with early Christian and Orthodox traditions, which recognize that Christ is present not only in the person of Jesus but also throughout the entire world. Embracing this expanded view of incarnation challenges us to acknowledge and care for all living beings and the environment, seeing them as interconnected and sacred. By recognizing our participation in this all-encompassing divine presence, we are called to align our actions with the flourishing of the entire creation.
How does the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer help us think ethically about the climate crisis? What is the shape of theology in the Anthropocene? In this conversation my co-host Dr. Jeff Pugh and I are joined by Dr. Dianne Rayson to discuss her work on Bonhoeffer and ecology.
This was one of the live stream sessions from the online class Bonhoeffer and the Future of Faith. To access Dr. Rayson’s and all the other contributor’s amazing lectures head over here. These live streams were inspired by the contributor’s lecture, thier reading selection from Bonhoeffer, and class member questions.
Di is co-convenor of the upcoming XIV International Bonhoeffer Congress in Sydney, Australia in January 2024.
Prior to becoming a theologian she had an extensive career in public health and social policy in Australia and the Pacific. Di is an Anglican lay preacher, singer and cellist. When in Australia she lives on a small farm between the mountains and the sea.