Theology and Climate Change

Theology and Climate Change explores how Progressive Dominion Theology (PDT) is a primary cultural driver of anthropogenic climate change, shaping attitudes towards nature, instrumental power, and humanity's relationship with nature. It argues that secular modernity is largely unaware of its theological commitments, leading to climate disaster. Some Christian theology is working to change the modern life-world to avert climate disaster, while others advance climate change skepticism and uphold PDT. The book aims to dis-embed climate change politics from polarized debates and promote a more nuanced understanding of the role of theology in addressing climate change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Theology and Climate Change delves into the profound influence of Progressive Dominion Theology (PDT) as a primary cultural force driving anthropogenic climate change. PDT emerges as a distinctive and Western branch of Christian theology, giving rise to the modern scientific revolution and technological advancements. Fundamental perspectives on nature, the exercise of instrumental power over it, and the understanding of humanity's relationship with nature are deeply rooted in the theological foundations of Western modernity. While much of what we appreciate about Western modernity finds its origins in PDT, this implicit cultural theology simultaneously propels us toward a climate catastrophe. This text contends that the urgent imperative to transform the core operational assumptions of our way of life has become increasingly challenging, as secular modernity remains largely oblivious to its underlying theological commitments.

The modern consumer society, encompassing the global economy that sustains this way of life, could not have attained its current operational characteristics without its distinctive theological origin and the persistent theological assumptions that underlie it. Certain branches of Christian theology, cognizant of this dynamic, are actively striving to reshape the modern world, starting from the very foundations, in an effort to mitigate the impending climate disaster. At the same time, other forms of Christian theology, aligned with pragmatic fossil fuel interests, propagate climate change skepticism and actively defend PDT. It is important to recognize that theology plays a crucial role in the politics of climate change, yet this aspect is often misunderstood in simplistic and polemical terms within environmental and policy contexts.

The purpose of this text is to detach climate change politics from the polarized and unproductive clashes between conservatives and progressives. By exploring the intricate interplay between theology and climate change, we aim to foster a more nuanced and constructive dialogue that addresses the complex challenges and opportunities posed by this global issue.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367744014