The Power of Ritual and Story with Brian McLaren and Favianna Rodriguez

In the Season Three premiere of the Climate Changed Podcast, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff engage in a powerful conversation with Brian McLaren, an influential author, activist, and public theologian. They explore the vital role faith communities can play in addressing climate change, drawing on insights from McLaren’s latest book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. The discussion focuses on navigating and redefining hope, resilience, and meaningful action in the face of our current environmental crises.

Links to discussion guide and transcript

Grounding: 

The episode begins with a grounding exercise led by artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez, who reads from her essay “Harnessing Cultural Power” from the anthology All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis. Rodriguez emphasizes the transformative power of stories in shaping culture and driving social change, particularly in the climate movement. Her words set the stage for the episode’s exploration of how narratives and rituals can inspire collective action.

Listen to Favianna read the entire essay. 

Main Conversation:

Brian McLaren joins the podcast to discuss his new book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. The conversation touches on the profound sense of "doom" many feel in the face of climate change and how this emotion can be harnessed to foster courage and hope. McLaren explains that his book is not about predicting the end of the world but rather about navigating the complex emotions and challenges of our time. He discusses the importance of confronting our fears and how faith leaders can help guide communities through these uncertain times. The episode also delves into how religious texts, like the Bible, can be reinterpreted as ecological literature offering wisdom for today’s climate crisis.

You are invited to Life After Doom: An Evening with Brian McLaren https://thebtscenter.org/life-after-doom-a-book-study/Wednesday, October 30 • 7.00 - 8.30pm (Eastern) • Online

And Special Book Study

Life After Doom: A Book Study https://thebtscenter.org/life-after-doom-a-book-study/

Tuesdays 4:00pm - 5:15pm (Eastern) • Online
October 15 – November 19, 2024

Next Steps: 

• Start a Climate Journal: Reflect on your feelings about living in a climate-changed world. Personalize a journal and set aside 20–30 minutes each week to write, draw, or press leaves. Begin by noting your takeaways from this episode.
• Share with a Friend: Tell a friend about this episode and discuss Brian McLaren’s book, Life After Doom. Consider why it might be important for others to read and reflect on it.
• Engage in Prayer or Meditation: After listening to the conversation, take time to ground yourself. Consider praying or meditating on the insights shared, especially if you feel overwhelmed.

Additional Resources:

Brian McLaren’s Website

All We Can Save Project

Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart

Life After Doom Playlist

Meet Guest: 

Guest bio with social media links + headshot

Brian McLaren is an author, activist, and public theologian known for his pioneering work in progressive Christianity. His latest book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, provides a roadmap for facing the future with honesty, hope, and courage. McLaren is a core faculty member and the Dean of Faculty at the Center for Action and Contemplation, co-hosts the podcast Learning How to See, and is an Auburn Senior Fellow.

• Twitter
• Instagram

Favianna Rodriguez is an artist, activist, and cultural organizer based in Oakland, California. She is renowned for her vibrant artwork and advocacy, which focus on social justice issues such as immigration, racial justice, gender equity, and climate change. Rodriguez is the co-founder of The Center for Cultural Power, where she empowers artists to create work that fosters social change. Her essay, Harnessing Cultural Power, featured in the anthology All We Can Save, highlights the importance of storytelling in the climate movement and was a focal point in this episode’s grounding exercise.

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Website

THANK YOUS

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this episode possible:

• Brian McLaren and Favianna Rodriguez, for sharing their insights and wisdom with us.
• Anna Barron, our fantastic podcast production intern, for her work producing the Next Steps segment and contributing to the overall episode production.
• Rev. Ash Temin, Communications Manager at The BTS Center, for her vital role in ensuring the smooth communication and promotion of this episode.
• Peterson Toscano for his continued excellence in producing the Climate Changed Podcast.

The BTS Center thanks you for your ongoing support and for providing the resources and platform that make this podcast possible.

For discussion guide, transcripts, and more visit www.climatechangedpodcast.org