The Ecological Freedom of a Christian: Constructive Shifts in Liberative Theology and Ecology

This roundtable session brings together scholars of environmental theology and ethics to advance constructive work at the intersection of theology, ecology, and freedom by way of reflection on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Panelists explore freedom in a context in which environmental and climate injustices constrain human freedom and bind whole populations to environmental conditions that cause suffering, loss, despair, and death. What do Christian teachings about freedom, the gospel, and liberation have to do with the ways in which environmental harms are systematically shifted into the everyday environments of workers, the poor, and other disenfranchised and marginalized groups? Panelists respond through critical and constructive engagement with theology’s shift toward listening to liberative voices and ecology’s shift from mainstream environmentalism to the frameworks of environmental and climate justice. This roundtable is structured to promote conversation amongst panelists and discussion with the audience.