Ecotheology and Love: The Converging Poetics of Sohrab Sepehri and James Baldwin

Ecotheology and Love explores the interrelation of religion, poetry, and ecology from a comparative perspective, highlighting the works of Sohrab Sepehri and James Baldwin. It demonstrates how these authors sought social justice through love and an interconnected knowledge of the self, urging a deeper understanding of their layered depths and relevance to our contemporary time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

In Ecotheology and Love: The Converging Poetics of Sohrab Sepehri and James Baldwin, Bahar Davary explores the intricate interplay between religion, poetry, and ecology from a comparative perspective, with a strong emphasis on decoloniality. This groundbreaking work demonstrates how authors Sohrab Sepehri and James Baldwin approached social justice by grounding their artistic creations in the principles of love and an authentic understanding of the world, derived from a deep interconnected knowledge of the self. While the profound layers of depth and relevance in Sepehri and Baldwin's works remain largely unexplored, Ecotheology and Love takes a significant stride towards achieving a more comprehensive understanding of their enduring significance.

Through a meticulous examination of their literary works, Davary uncovers the profound connections between these three realms, shedding light on how they intersect to shape the narratives and themes of their writings. She highlights the ways in which Sepehri and Baldwin used their art to challenge oppressive systems, advocate for social change, and promote a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for humanity and the natural world.

One of the key themes that emerges from Ecotheology and Love is the idea of interconnectedness. Both authors recognize the profound interdependence of all living beings and the delicate balance of ecosystems. They argue that our understanding of the self and the world is incomplete unless we acknowledge this interconnectedness and work towards preserving and nurturing the natural world.

Sepehri and Baldwin's poetry is a testament to their commitment to this cause. Their words are filled with imagery and metaphor that evoke the beauty and fragility of the natural world, reminding us of our responsibility to protect it. They use poetic forms such as sonnets, haikus, and free verse to convey their messages, allowing their words to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers and reach a wider audience.

In addition to their literary contributions, Sepehri and Baldwin also played significant roles in advocating for social justice and environmental awareness. They were vocal opponents of racism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination and worked tirelessly to promote equality and justice for marginalized communities.

Ecotheology and Love offers a valuable insight into the converging poetics of Sohrab Sepehri and James Baldwin, highlighting their shared commitment to social justice, environmental awareness, and the pursuit of an authentic understanding of the self and the world. Through their literary works, they challenged oppressive systems, advocated for social change, and inspired a generation of artists and activists to embrace their roles as agents of change.

In conclusion, Ecotheology and Love is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the interrelation of religion, poetry, and ecology from a comparative perspective. Through the lens of decoloniality, Bahar Davary demonstrates how authors Sohrab Sepehri and James Baldwin approached social justice by building their work on love and an authentic way of knowing the world. Their profound layers of depth and relevance remain largely unexplored, but Ecotheology and Love takes a significant step towards achieving a more comprehensive understanding of their enduring significance. By exploring the interconnectedness of all living beings and the delicate balance of ecosystems, Sepehri and Baldwin's poetry serves as a testament to their commitment to social justice and environmental awareness. Their literary contributions and advocacy work continue to inspire and influence artists and activists around the world, reminding us of our responsibility to protect and nurture the natural world for generations to come.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793642769