In this episode of "Religion and Justice," George Schmidt sits down with Chaia Heller, a writer, activist, and prominent voice in the field of social ecology. The discussion revolves around Chaia's article, "Tales from Eco-la-la Land," which explores the intersection of spirituality and ecological philosophy, and addresses the problems of moralizing and depoliticization within the ecological movement. Chaia shares her journey from studying with Murray Bookchin, the creator of social ecology, to critiquing the reductionist and sometimes harmful approaches within the broader ecological discourse.
The episode examines the role of spirituality and its potential for both inspiration and distraction in ecological activism. Chaia recounts her experiences with deep ecology and the problematic tendencies to blame marginalized groups for overpopulation while ignoring systemic issues like patriarchy, capitalism, colonialism, and racism. She argues for a secular socio-erotic approach to ecological engagement, celebrating the extra-rational while acknowledging the need for political and social action.
Through this conversation, listeners gain insights into the challenges of moralizing within the Left and the need for transparent, rational discourse in political movements. Chaia emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between personal spirituality and public policy, advocating for a secular approach to addressing ecological crises. Tune in to explore the complexities of social ecology, ecofeminism, and the quest for a joyful, socially just, and rational ecological society.
Welcome to "Religion and Justice," a podcast brought to you by the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt Divinity School.
We explore the intersections of class, religion, labor, and ecology, which bring together diverse populations and publics uncovering their implications for justice and solidarity
This podcast is a space for investigation, education, and organizing around these intersections. Join us as we engage in thought-provoking discussions with experts, fostering dialogue for actionable change. Together, we navigate religion, justice, and solidarity for a more equitable future.
Head to religionandjustice.org/podcast for our webpage!
Find us on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/religionandjustice
https://twitter.com/ReligionandJ
https://www.instagram.com/religionandjustice/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.