Scientific data, ecological conversion and transformative affect
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Date
Authors
Howell, Nancy R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS
Abstract
Scientific data supporting rational arguments for human-made causes of climate and
environmental changes might be persuasive in some contexts. Law, policy, activism and The
Earth Charter similarly appear insufficient to change attitudes and behaviours. Even biblical
and theological arguments fail to move some Christians beyond apathy and climate denial.
Decades of ecological theology and calls for ecological conversion suggest that appeals to
reason and facts are limited without an affective epistemology that join knowledge and
experience to produce worldview transformation through emotions, such as awe.
CONTRIBUTION : Departing from appeal to scientific data and arguments alone, the primary
claim is that ecological conversion is not singularly a rational act. For broader engagement and
action to mitigate climate and environmental degradation, experiential and affective encounter
with nature promise wider participation and transformation.
Description
This research is part of the
research project
‘Understanding Reality
(Theology and Nature)’,
directed by Prof. Dr Johan
Buitendag, Department of
Systematic and Historical
Theology, Faculty of
Theology and Religion,
University of Pretoria.
Special Collection: Theology and Nature, sub-edited by Johan Buitendag (University of Pretoria).
Special Collection: Theology and Nature, sub-edited by Johan Buitendag (University of Pretoria).
Keywords
Awe, Affective epistemology, Climate change, Ecological conversion, Ecological theology, Ecowomanism, Environmental racism, Liberation theology, Process theology, Earth Charter
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Howell, H., 2021, ‘Scientific
data, ecological conversion
and transformative affect’,
HTS Teologiese Studies/
Theological Studies
77(3), a6518. https://DOI.org/10.4102/hts.v77i3.6518.