Exploring Religion & Environment
Re-Imagining a Christian Response to a Changing Climate
What might a faithful Christian response look like in a rapidly changing world? In our launch conversation for our new series, Dr. Julia O’Brien shares her expertise as a scholar of the Hebrew Bible and what implications reading the text differently can have on our theology. Dr. Bradley Johnson presents his research in faith communities responding to the water crisis in South Africa. Katie Ruth then moderates a panel discussion further discussing themes that arise in both presentations.
A Jewish Approach to Activism and Accompaniment Through the Climate Crisis
In this conversation, we take a deep dive into the Reconstructionist Jewish tradition. Rabbi Ora Nitkin-Kaner talks about her work in tending to human hearts at the edges of perceived apocalypse. Rabbi Fred Dobb shares how his approach to climate activism is shaped by his own tradition. Rabbi Nathan Martin then moderates a panel discussion exploring themes that arise in both of these presentations.
Exploring Islamic Approaches to Environmental Care
In this conversation, we explore the Islamic tradition. Imam Christopher Caras discusses the Islamic theology for environmental responsibility, as well as specific injunctions from Islamic Law. He briefly touches on how Muslims throughout history have worked with, and not against, their natural surroundings. Sevim Kalyoncu talks about the work of Green Muslims and how in that role she helps American Muslims connect with nature and recognize it as a book of God as well as understand the role of humans as khalifa, or stewards of the earth. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Melinda Krokus a professor of comparative religion and a student in the Ansari Qadiri Rifai Sufi Order.
Bahá’í Faith & The Environment
In this conversation, we explore the Bahá’í tradition. Helga Stokes speaks about interdependence within the natural world and how a spiritual perspective can be expressed in grassroots environmental actions. Christine Muller talks about a shift in mindset toward a world embracing view which can facilitate overcoming materialism and foster altruistic environmental actions from local to global.
Unitarian Universalist Approaches to the Environment
In this conversation, we explore the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Rev. Dr. Kate Walker of First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh discusses how engaging with nature as a spiritual companion is THE religious task of our time. Are we truly able and willing to shift from solitary survival to well-being of the whole? Brian Dugas of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wyoming Valley talks about how Unitarian Universalism challenges us to care for the world in which we live through the 7th Principle: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part”. He shares how concern for the environment inspired the community to “Go Green” with numerous projects.
Buddhist Environmental Approaches in a Global Context
In this conversation, we explore the Buddhist tradition. Bhante Pemaratana of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center and Cleveland Buddhist Vihara shares a short presentation titled, “Caring for All Life: How to recognize the value of all forms of lives and the greater responsibility of human beings for the wellbeing of whole ecosystem.” George Hoguet of the Earth Holder Community and the Order of Interbeing shares reflections on “The Way Out Is In: When we stop, go into our inner stillness and look deeply, we can awaken to the reality of Interbeing, awaken beyond environmentalism and the illusion that we are separate from the Earth, from other species and from one another, and discover instead Right View (of relationship) from which flows all Right Thoughts & Right Actions to heal our precious planet.”