I often find that distinctive or various disciplines consider themselves to be in competition with another. If not in competition, then convinced that one is right while the others are wrong. The same can be said for some individuals of differing faiths or spiritual beliefs but at Westminster University’s event ‘Dis/Obedience To The Earth’ Alan had the privilege of participating in a space where there was no rivalry or contention, instead there was responsiveness, understanding, interest, and companionship across the different faiths.
Know Your Own Species Best, 2017 © Alan McFetridge
Overall, Alan returned to the studio having learned about how Melanie Nazareth (Christian Climate Action), Mothiur Rahman (Muslims Declare), Dr Jasdev Rai (Sikh Human Rights Group), and Katja Behrendt (XR Buddhists) have been dealing with the Climate Crisis within their faiths and/or communities. Some of the responses took a more head-on approach, discussing how Christianity, for example, shows Jesus protesting for what he believed and how we, therefore, can do the same. Others were more class-critical, proposing that the Climate Crisis is a crisis for the rich, elitist West and not for all global communities. This summary can never, of course, do their work justice and therefore I look forward to informing you when a recording of the event will be accessible for the wider public. In the meantime, below is a passage written by Alan concluding, in brief, some of his contributions to the talk.
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What doesn’t work? Fear …. human behaviours are very much unlikely to change when problems are presented in ways that raise fear and anxiety. This is likely to cause division.
What does work? Hope … human behaviours can change and incredible feats become accomplished. Hope creates unity.
Blind hope however is not enough, I’ve found that having a clear vision with action is essential to remain focused and positive. This is why I see the value of establishing a role for ecological philosophy to guide sanctionable modern laws to protect the rest of nature. Because as poet Znignew Hebert writes - How can we live anywhere but under this one tree.
The Heart of Earth is Gold, 2017 © Alan McFetridge
Overall, we enjoyed this collaboration and hope to be involved in far more events in the future. We are also planning out some events we might like to host as part of The Centre for Ecological Philosophy so keep a look out for future announcements! If you want to get involved or would like to invite any one of us to your talk, lecture, gallery, or anything that you think might spark our fancy, get in touch!
Warmest Regards,
Antoinette (any pronouns)