Episode 141: Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter and The Spirit of Soul Food
Nov 30, 2022
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Discover the Reverend Dr. Christopher Carter's journey in theology and his pursuit of spirituality. Explore the concept of soul food and its cultural significance. Uncover the exploitation and oppression within the mainstream food system, including a shocking example of managers betting on workers contracting COVID-19. Learn about black veganism as a decolonization project and its connection to poverty and the meat industry. Dive into the intersection of religion, food, and justice, and the narratives behind our meals, particularly during important holidays.
Reverend Dr. Christopher Carter emphasizes the importance of making conscious food choices that align with one's values and challenge the exploitative nature of the industrial food system.
Black veganism, according to Reverend Dr. Christopher Carter, is an act of decolonization that challenges dominant narratives around food, race, and oppression and calls for a redefinition of what it means to be human based on anti-oppressive principles and interconnectedness.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Faith and Practice in Theology
Reverend Dr. Christopher Carter shares his journey into studying theology, driven by the disconnect he observed between faith and practice in the church. Growing up in a religious family, he felt that the teachings of Jesus were not consistently applied in real life. His interest in theology stemmed from a desire to find a more authentic way of living his own spirituality.
Food Justice and Veganism as a Moral Choice
Driven by his values and religious beliefs, Reverend Dr. Christopher Carter explores the interconnectedness between his faith, food choices, and social justice. Witnessing the exploitative nature of the industrial food system, particularly in factory farms, he emphasizes the need for conscious choices that align with one's values. He delves into the impact of the food system on marginalized communities and highlights the importance of opting out of a system that perpetuates oppression and environmental degradation.
Soul Food and Cultural Identity
Reverend Dr. Christopher Carter examines soul food from a cultural perspective, discussing its historical significance and evolution. He emphasizes how eating in a way that preserves and promotes community is of utmost importance to him. By redefining soul food as a means to connect with one's culture and community, he encourages individuals to reflect on how their food choices align with their values and the legacy of resilience within their respective cultures.
Black Veganism: A Decolonization Project
Reverend Dr. Christopher Carter explores how black veganism is an act of decolonization, challenging the dominant narratives around food, race, and oppression. He asserts that veganism should not just center around non-human animals, but should also consider the intersectional oppressions faced by marginalized communities, particularly people of color. By questioning the mainstream veganism that may perpetuate exploitative systems, he calls for a redefinition of what it means to be human, based on anti-oppressive principles and interconnectedness.