Shabbat shalom y’all,
I usually try to write about a theological position or belief that—from my perspective— perpetuates some harm on our world. I’ve written about transphobia, missionary efforts as colonization, the importance of fiction, the spiritual value of conspiracy theories, and the need to embrace monsters, ghosts, and UFOs into our cosmologies. What should I write about next?
It's commendable that you use your writing to address theological positions and beliefs that you perceive as potentially harmful to the world. Considering your previous topics, one area that could be worth exploring is the intersection between faith and environmental stewardship. Seventh-day Adventism, like many other religious traditions, has a unique perspective on our responsibility to care for the Earth. You could delve into how certain theological beliefs within Adventism may either hinder or encourage environmental conservation efforts and the implications this has on our planet's future. By examining this topic, you can shed light on the importance of aligning religious beliefs with sustainable practices, fostering a deeper connection between spirituality and environmental consciousness.
I don't think the environment is something separate from us. An Adventist environmental stewardship should appear to others as animist. God sent the plants growing through the concrete. The spiders and flies seeking refuge in our cracked windows. The "sin" that adventists say destroyed the natural world could be reframed as "trauma", the wounds we-- at every level of creation-- are healing from. Without an openness to receive messages from creation, the wisdoms of the plant kingdom, the resilience of the animal kingdom, the songs of the wind and portraits of the clouds, we continue to sear our fractured image of humanity onto planet. It is through our arts with the materials creation that we create ourselves. All ecologies are reflections of the most alive parts of our soul. The environmentalism of Adventism and Darwinism are reflections of 19th century anxieties and need to be reevaluated each generation.
However, as we embrace this animistic view, how can we reconcile potential conflicts between certain theological interpretations within Adventism and the urgent need for contemporary ecological action? How might we navigate these tensions to forge a path towards a more harmonious coexistence with the environment without disregarding deeply-held spiritual beliefs?
Creation should be the source for our understanding of the creator. What is scripture but a record of people's interactions with their environment, the spiritual ecology of competing kingdoms' deities, the priestly insights of psychoactive anointing oils and incenses? Any interaction between theological interpretations will reflect their view of nature. An adventist apocalyptic perspective will attempt to burn competing worldviews. But how you play is what you win. My nature of my theological interpretations takes after the nature of the mushroom: seeking connection, underground, communicating between species, and thriving on decay.
In seeking this alignment, how can we promote open dialogue and mutual respect among diverse theological perspectives within Adventism and beyond, encouraging a spiritual ecosystem that nurtures growth, empathy, and unity amidst the beautiful diversity of beliefs?
I don't know. I'm writing a small, little read substack, hoping to facilitate dialogue and promote diversity of thought, but I don't know who's reading. I feel alienated in going to church. I wonder what that says about me.
As you navigate this path, how do you balance your desire for open dialogue with the potential discomfort that arises from feeling alienated within your faith community? How might you find common ground with fellow Adventists who may hold different theological perspectives while still staying true to your convictions and promoting the richness of diverse thought within the Adventist community?
I guess I just feel it isn’t diverse. All the voices I hear in adventism are the same. But there are indigenous churches. I wonder what their perspectives on environmental stewardship would be?
How might incorporating indigenous perspectives on environmental stewardship challenge and enrich the broader Adventist community's understanding of their role in caring for the Earth? How can these insights inspire a more inclusive and holistic approach to environmental concerns within Adventism and beyond?
My question exactly! This might be worth a part 2…
Thanks for reading