What is it about?
Within the contemporary activity of climate change communication there is debate regarding the efficacy of the emotions of fear vis-à-vis hope for mobilising human behavioural change. This article discusses (a) how the biblical concept of "apocalypse" may offer insights to our contemporary situation; (b) the potential for the historic Christian practices of preaching and singing to shape communal imaginative visions of alternative futures.
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Why is it important?
This article brings into conversation recent research in evolutionary psychology, climate change communication, biblical studies, and theological ethics to address how ancient Christian practices might offer hope to the environmental movement and broader society.
Perspectives
Faced with the enormity of ecological challenges, "hope" currently seems in short supply. It is my contention that the Christian tradition offers narratives and practices that can expand our imaginations and summon us towards collective hope-filled action.
Andrew Shepherd
University of Otago
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Apocalyptic Visions and Anthems of Hope: Climate Change Communication and Future Possibilities, International Journal of Public Theology, December 2021, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/15697320-01540014.
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