To:
Subscribers & Readers of iGi,
Members of AWRC,
Interested Writers
Greetings from AWRC!
The Editorial Advisory Committee (EAC) for iGi is calling for papers on the theme- Doing Theology in the Face of Climate Crisis for June edition in 2019.
Rationale: We are living in a time of Climate Emergency. It is a fact that human beings are now in a position to destroy what God has created in a very significant way! Climate crisis happens due to global capitalism, and present market economic system without ensuring justice to environment and marginal communities. Burning of fossil fuels by thermal power stations, transport (air travel is growing rapidly but emits the most carbon dioxide) and manufacturing, consumeristic lifestyles of throw away cultures, population growth, etc., pumping much more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than the green trees and grass can absorb. This leads to heating of the planet earth, erratic climate, floods, drought and water crisis. As a result, we experience unprecedented climate injustice, global warming, human made nature calamities which lead to massive poverty, marginalization, migration, human trafficking, homelessness and landlessness. The extreme and unpredictable weather has affected poor farmers the most and the indigenous people in the world. Global warming has led to a rapid melting of the Permanent ice in both the North and the South polar regions leading to a very fast sea level rise. It is a fact that both humans and all non human life suffer because of this. The rich who can afford to insulate themselves from these effects through their money power and wealth, but the poor who cannot afford to protect themselves suffer the most consequences of what has been mainly caused by the rich. Thus, Climate change is affecting people unequally.
Climate change is creating Climate Refugees: These refugees are being created by the fact that climate change is making earning a decent living off the land that they have traditionally cultivated impossible. The rise in the sea level is making it difficult for people who live near the sea to abandon the places and move away in search of job and livelihood. It is the people in the margins the most affected by the results of extreme climate events.
Justice for Non-Human species of Insects, Plants and Animals: The Climate Crisis that we human beings have caused is playing havoc with the lives of insects, plants and animals. Pesticides are wiping away entire population of insects (even bees who are so essential to pollination and to growth of food). Deforestation is making plants and animals extinct. Many of these plants may have medicinal qualities that we are losing forever. It is a fact that humans are not the only species that has a God-given right to exist. Since God is the creator of all of these insects, plants and animals and loves each of them, what right do we human beings have to drive any of them to extinction?
Future Generations: Climate Injustice is the injustice that is being done to future generations. As the environmental situation deteriorates, the situation will become more and more difficult for future generations. Our children and grandchildren face a tough future of water scarcity, periodic flooding and the loss of the richness of flora and fauna that we have been used to. Thus, in the context of climate injustice we have to promote a theology that stresses non-consumerism; a theology of simple living is very important as there is really not enough for everyone to have a high standard of living. Only if we live at a basic level, will it be possible for all the people in the world to have that basic level of material life.
The nexus between global capitalism, environment and marginal communities needs to be addressed theologically, biblically and pastorally. The extractive growth model has become a threat to survival. It threatens life sustaining waters, land and forest that are sacred to people and means of life for all human beings and all of creation. Destruction of environment means threatening the food web that human beings and all creation are dependent upon. Since the sole objectives of economic expansion are mere profit, pleasure and enjoyment, it will continue to deny the right to live in dignity especially to the poor and marginalized people. Women and children bodies will be further objectified and abused. People’s culture, especially indigenous people culture, will be further commercialized without respect, and the whole environment will be objectified for mere economic growth. The situation is becoming alarming.
Doing Theology in the face of Climate Crisis: How do we address theologically, biblically and ecclesiologically on climate crisis? How do we tape Asian cultural and religious resources to challenge ongoing environmental destruction? How do we respond theologically to save our planet earth from human destruction? How do we promote alternative spirituality in the context of growing consumerism? How do we develop theology of climate justice especially from women’s perspective?
“in God’s image” June 2019 issue will focus on the theme DOING THEOLOGY IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CRISIS, drawing from theological, biblical and pastoral perspectives. Articles are invited to address on the diverse issues related to the theme especially from women’s perspective as indigenous, margins, feminist and contextual theologians. Attached is a flier outlining “Guidelines for Writers of iGi” Please send your contributions and 1-3 appropriate graphics to complement the article at igiawrc@gmail.com and awrccoordinator@gmail.com by 15th Oct 2019. Recommended word limit for each article: 1000 to 4000 words. Please be noted articles that are published elsewhere will not be accepted. As a gesture of appreciation and thanks AWRC will send you two copies of iGi whenever your paper or art piece is published. We look forward to your participation in the work of iGi.
Best regards,
Coordinator,
On behalf of The EAC of iGi, AWRC