God created the earth and entrusted its care to us
As we rethink
how to grow, build, supply, consume, dispose, and recycle everything in
our lives, we often fail at partnering with the marginalized and
powerless, and thus adversely affect them. Building sustainable
communities goes hand-in-hand with thoughtful building of
infrastructures and physical spaces. Is there a theological basis for
living abundantly while striving for justice and sustainability?
In 2009, Trinity
Institute will explore sustainability through the lens of liberation
theology, which views Jesus not only as redeemer but also liberator of
the oppressed. It posits a vision of Christians working together toward
social justice by considering all people as full partners in healing our
planet and our communities, regardless of their social or economic
status. Only in striving for sustainable relationships, rather than
accumulating and consuming more for ourselves, can we discover true
abundance.
Through
previously recorded keynote speeches and panel discussions by leading
theologians and grassroots activists, this two-and-a-half-day conference
will consider radical ideas about abundance, sustainability, and
well-being. You will be invited to share your own experiences and
solutions with fellow attendees during small group break-out sessions. Keynote speakers include Majora Carter, Timothy J. Gorringe, David C. Korten, Nestor O. Miquez and Miriam MacGillis.
I can recoomed the Korten talk. I shall check out the others.... but before I do I want to share the thought that has got clearer to me after his talk and thinking about the title of this conference: we do so need to imagine how things could be better in a sustainable, time-rich, new economy society. We need to talk about it with others and get all of us away from the stories that close down any hopeful option for the future. I'm for abundance (and that's different from shopping...)