Baha’is champion rationality and science as essential for human progress. The harmony of science and religion is one of the fundamental principles of the Baha’i Faith, which teaches that truth is one and that religion, without science, soon degenerates into superstition and fanaticism, while science without religion becomes merely the instrument of crude materialism.
Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Episode 59: The Spirituality of Climate Change
Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.
In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.
In this episode, I wanted to talk about climate change and issues relating to the environment, so I’m joined via Zoom by Arthur Dahl, Christine Muller, and Afsaneh Angelina Rafii. These three Baha’is have been passionately involved in environmentalism in some way, shape, or form, and we discuss a range of issues relating to the environment including both practical, and spiritual themes that need to be addressed. I hope you enjoy this important conversation as much as I did!
Arthur is President of the International Environment Forum, and a retired Deputy Assistant Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with over 50 years of international experience in environment and sustainability. He teaches in various university programmes, lectures widely, and has published many scientific papers and books.
Christine is a Board Member of the International Environment Forum (IEF) and a Wilmette Institute Adjunct Lecturer, and is passionate about environmental issues and has been systemically studying climate change and sustainable development. She has given numerous talks on the environment and has a keen interest in the role spirituality can play in providing solutions.
Afsaneh is the creator of the Icarus Complex magazine, a printed biannual magazine and also a website, aimed at taking an in-depth look at the issues surrounding climate change and environmentalism from economic, political, legal and grassroots perspectives.
Here are more links to some of the things mentioned in the conversation:
This collection of extracts from the Baha’i Writings compiled in 1989, focuses on humanity’s understanding of its relationship to nature and its responsibility to preserve the world’s ecological balance: Conservation of the Earth’s Resources
Christine shares this quote by Baha’u’llah: “Each one of the ordinances We have revealed is a mighty stronghold for the preservation of the world of being.”
Naysan is passionate about using the arts and media to explore the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. Back in 2011, Naysan started up the Baha’i Blog project, channeling his experiences in both media and technology companies to help create a hub for Baha’i-inspired content online.
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The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent authoritative views of the Baha’i Faith.
