Energy: The Challenges to and From Religion

Rasmussen, Larry L.

doi:10.1111/j.1467-9744.2011.01224.x

Cited by 14 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Unconnected to the aforementioned research strand, another academic field has emerged that underscores the role of religion in sustainability transitions: the field of 'religion and ecology'. The contributions to this debate are often related to religious studies and tend to highlight the advantages of religion for promoting sustainability transitions (Clugston and Holt, 2012;Kimmins, 1993;Gottlieb, 2008;Rolston, 2006b;Rasmussen, 2011;Tucker, 2008). They suggest different channels through which religion can influence sustainability transitions: directly, in the form of activities and public statements by religious organizations (Christiansen, 2011;Harper, 2011); or indirectly, through faith traditions that provide moral guidance, foster hope and encourage environmental action (Gottlieb, 2008;Laurendeau, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does religion promote environmental sustainability? – Exploring the role of religion in local energy transitions

Köhrsen

2015

Social Compass

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This article explores the role of religion in local energy transition processes. By combining insights from (a) sustainability studies and (b) academic contributions on religion and sustainability, a theoretical approach for describing the role of religion in local energy transitions is developed. Religion is conceived of as a subsystem among other local subsystems that potentially contribute via their competences to energy transition processes. Three potential functions of religion are identified: (1) campaigning and intermediation in the public sphere; (2) ‘materialization’ of transitions in the form of participation in projects related to sustainable transitions; (3) dissemination of values and worldviews that empower environmental attitudes and action. These functions are studied in the case of the energy transition in Emden, a city in north-western Germany. Although religion attends, to some degree, each of the three functions, it does not assume a dominant role relative to other local subsystems. Actors from other social subsystems appear to take over these functions in a more efficient way. Consequently, in this highly environmentally active region, there are few indicators of a specific function of religion. These results shed a critical light on the previously held assumption that religion has a crucial impact on sustainability transitions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does religion promote environmental sustainability? – Exploring the role of religion in local energy transitions

Köhrsen

2015

Social Compass

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“…Conference co‐chair Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics, Union Theological Seminary, concluded the plenary talks with “Energy Policies and Religious Values: The Reciprocal Challenges” (see also this thematic section, Rasmussen 2011). His theme was that, just as the Axial Age 2,500 years ago was a period of great change and creativity, our modern age is another of history's hinge times.…”

Section: Religious Voices and Valuesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Introduction to “The Energy Transition: Religious and Cultural Perspectives”

Rasmussen

Laurendeau

Solomon³

2011

Zygon

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Energy typically is discussed in terms of science, technology, economics, and politics. Little attention has been given to fundamental religious and ethical questions surrounding the upcoming transition to renewable energy. The essays in this thematic section seek to redress that deficiency. This introductory essay raises some key questions and summarizes various presentations on energy and religion, as these were held at the 2010 conference of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS). Some presentations described the energy landscape and provided data and perspectives needed for sound policy. Others raised ethical and religious considerations for energy decisions as the transition from nonrenewable to renewable sources is faced. Some posed the challenges of the energy transition to religion itself. Yet others offered examples of sustainable energy use and/or promising sources for meeting future needs sustainably. At the conclusion of the conference, presenters crafted a common “Statement on Energy and Climate Change” that includes a “Call to Action.” The “Energy Statement” follows as an appendix.

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“…The academic debate about religion and ecology highlights the potentials of religion for promoting environmental sustainability (Clugston and Holt 2012;Gottlieb 2008;Kimmins 1993;Rasmussen 2011;Rolston III 2006;Tucker 2006;Tucker 2008). Some scholar suggest an ongoing "greening" process among the world's faith traditions that renders the teachings of these traditions and the lifestyles of their followers more environmentally friendly (Kanagy and Willits 1993;Shibley and Wiggins 1997;White 1966;Taylor 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Muslim NGOs and the Quest for Environmental Sustainability in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals

Köhrsen¹

2020

Does Religion Make a Difference?

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The contribution addresses the role of Muslim NGOs in environmental sustainability. Reviewing empirical studies about this topic, it discusses the potentials and challenges of Muslim NGOs to promote environmental sustainability. Crucial resources for this endeavour are the environmental teachings of Islam and the grassroots reach of these organisations. Religious scholars often stress the rich scriptural resources of Islam for tackling environmental issues. Moreover, unlike other (secular) NGOs, Muslim NGOs can reach local populations in Muslim majority countries where they usually enjoy high credibility. Existing studies mention numerous initiatives of Muslim NGOs to advance environmental sustainability, among them radio campaigns, tree-planting activities, environmental awareness and education programs, the dissemination of environmental knowledge through religious leaders, the issuing of fatwas to declare logging illegal, and the implementation of sustainable resource management in Muslim organisations. Nevertheless, there are also important challenges to this environmental engagement. The Islamic environmental ethics that environmentally concerned Islamic scholars and activists highlight reflect their own perceptions of Islam, but not necessarily that of the broader Muslim population. As such, at the grassroots level, there is often low acceptance for Islamic environmental initiatives that have, consequently, little impact. In total, while bearing specific potentials for reaching wider populations through its grass-roots reach, Muslim environmentalism remains often limited to the environmental concerned Muslim organisations and activists.

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Energy: The Challenges to and From Religion

Cited by 14 publications

References 4 publications

Does religion promote environmental sustainability? – Exploring the role of religion in local energy transitions

Does religion promote environmental sustainability? – Exploring the role of religion in local energy transitions

Introduction to “The Energy Transition: Religious and Cultural Perspectives”

Muslim NGOs and the Quest for Environmental Sustainability in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals

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