I am a father, grandfather and a Christian and I, like many folks I assume, struggle with how to understand, cope with, and discuss the existential questions about widespread environmental collapse. How do we come to terms with higher temperatures, extreme weather events, fires, advancing pests (pine and spruce beetles), water shortage and flooding…? How do we deal with the knowledge that, particularly for future generations, human activity is increasingly creating unlivable places, loss of species; political conflict; personal anxiety and depression?
As I consider the spiritual dimensions of humanity’s dire impacts on the earth and its systems, I am reminded of a quote from the English poet and playwright, Christopher Fry, calling us to awaken –
‘…thank God our time is now, when wrong comes up to meet us everywhere, never to leave us, till we take the greatest stride folk ever took. Affairs are soul size now, the enterprise is exploration into God. But what are we waiting for? It takes so many thousand years to wake. But will you wake for pity’s sake?’
I do believe these are unprecedented times. They demand unprecedented care and conscientious responses, both to keep our emotional and spiritual wellbeing intact in order to reach out to others with hope and practical aid as more crises arise.
I believe it is critical for those of us who’ve been around for a while, seen and recovered from a lot, and still hope for better for future generations, to intentionally strengthen our spiritual lives and demonstrate with our lives and our words, the truth, with love. As they say on airplanes, IF THE PLANE LOSES PRESSURE PUT ON YOUR OWN OXYGEN MASK FIRST. In this case I’m referring to caring for our inner life and faith through daily connection with the God of love, compassion and action. Yes, age can bring more vulnerability, but hopefully more ability to deal with the paradox of suffering and gratitude at the foundation of our faith, and be a stable presence to those who are in various stages of grief. Tending to our inner lives doesn’t mean neglecting practical personal and family supports. We need to help others to face the increased risks with some equanimity, as well as challenging others to make the changes needed in their own lives. We have all contributed to climate chaos and must be part of the solution, not least through pressing for government policies that make healthier choices easier for citizens to make.
Am I optimistic that governments will make better decisions about resource extraction, our unsustainable agriculture and forestry practices and the addiction to growth? No. But I remain hopeful that, together in community, as people of faith (whatever spiritual practice one follows) we will, by the grace of God, act sanely, humanely and ease the suffering in our troubled world.
David Swann