Ecology Liberation

Liberation Ecologies brings together some of the most exciting theorists in the field to explore the impact of political ecology in today's developing world. The book casts new light on the crucial interrelations of development, social movements and the environment in the South - the 'bigger' half of our planet - and raises questions and hopes about change on the global scale. The in-depth case material is drawn from across the Developing World, from Latin America, Africa and Asia. The issues raised in contemporary political, economic and social theory are illustrated through these case studies. Ultimately, Liberation Ecologies questions what we understand by 'development', be it mainstream or alternative, and seeks to renew our sense of nature's range of possibilities.

What is the relationship between salvation, human liberation, and care for creation? Extending the ideas presented in Gustavo Gutierrez's A Theology of Liberation, Daniel Castillo embraces a green liberation theology that recognizes the need for political and ideological paradigm shifts in relation to globalization.

Liberation Ecologies elaborates a political-economic explanation of environmental crisis, drawing from the most recent advances in social theory.

Drawing on insights from quantum physics, deep ecology, and the new cosmology, they articulate a new vision of liberating action. Hathaway and Boff lay out a path of spiritual renewal, ecological transformation, and authentic liberation.

This book offers a theological reflection on the praxis of struggle for human and ecological liberation. It critically appropriates the framework of the emerging ecological theology of liberation, which expands the notion of the preferential option for the poor--privileging those who suffer from class oppression, racial discrimination, sexist ideologies, and ecological exploitation. With the analytical mediation of the social and ecological sciences, this book investigates the oppressive ideologies that produce poverty and the ecological crisis. It maps out existing advocacies that may awaken a sense of solidarity and serve as embers of hope for a sustainable world.

Besides their insistence on praxis and the application of the Word of God to a given situation, Liberation Theologies make ample use of tools of analysis to uncover root causes of oppression. Now, it is precisely with respect to these tools that Liberation Theologies today find themselves on shifting grounds. In intra-ecclesiastical circles cultural concerns have come to replace socio-economic analysis, whereas after the implosion of the East Bloc the liberationists proper also pay more attention to the issues of gender, ecology, and indigenous movements. The contributions to this volume, originating from various continents, discuss to what extent this shift in emphasis is desirable, and acceptable, and conclude that the cultural focus cannot possibly invalidate but only enrich and complete the socio-economic analysis. They, moreover, try to assess the developments in light of globalization (economics, informatics), on the one hand, and postmodernity on the other. Given the impact of western culture politics, the question arises as to whether the native cultures will succeed in keeping up their religious core values and structures of solidarity - two elements so indispensable for liberative commitments.

First published in 2002. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.