Cosmology in Spaces of Ecological Change - A study on Christian Environmentalist Imaginaries

Sammanfattning

In the modern world religion is loudly wielded with anti-environmentalist and authoritarian consequences, following the footsteps of historical religious entanglement with industrial and capitalist values. In the context of intentionally co-creating an alternative future, this study argues that it is central to engage with religious environmentalism to highlight a different heritage and cosmological perspective. Through interviewing Christian environmentalists I explore how imaginaries relate to envisioning, motivating and enacting socio-ecological change. The analysis of their narratives reveal a dark green religious imaginary, which emphasises the reconciliation of ecological relation, inner transition and an imperative for change. The dark green values and vision of the future considerably overlaps with human ecological perspectives, indicating the relevance of collaboration across religious and non-religious groups. Upon discussing the transformative potential and risk of religious narratives, I conclude that dark green Christianity has a place in a sustainable movement for change. Namely because it provides a cosmological motivation for a culture of relational peace, rather than violence.