About "Religion and Climate"

Frances Flannery and Liz Blackman share their own stories and tell a bit about their not-for-profit organization, Bio Earth.

In an era defined by climate crisis and social fragmentation, the conversation around solutions often centers on technology, policy, or activism. Yet two scholars, the guests on Project Save the World’s 670^th forum, are challenging this narrative by illuminating the often overlooked role of religion in shaping humanity’s relationship with the planet. Their work, rooted in decades of interdisciplinary exploration, offers a provocative thesis: the stories we tell about divinity, apocalypse, and our place in the cosmos are not mere metaphors. They are the scaffolding of cultural consciousness, capable of either perpetuating ecological collapse or nurturing sustainable peace.

The Apocalyptic Paradox

The episode opens with Metta Spencer introducing Frances Flannery, a scholar from James Madison University, and Liz Blackman, who resides in Washington State. Their diverse early backgrounds—Flannery's roots in environmental science and Blackman's in religious studies—highlight the multifaceted approach needed to address climate issues.

Frances Flannery’s journey to this realization began in the field—literally. As a young environmental scientist in the 1990s, she crawled into bobcat dens and documented endangered species, only to watch her data pave the way for Florida’s Turnpike. This disconnect led her to religious studies, where she uncovered a troubling pattern: apocalyptic theologies framing Earth as a “temporary home” foster resignation, not stewardship. She notes that certain apocalyptic theologies can foster a sense of detachment from earthly responsibilities, as believers may prioritize a promised afterlife over the preservation of the current world. She asks: If we are waiting for a new heaven and Earth, why protect this one?