Heather Eaton

Ecological feminism has developed from many directions and locations, and with differentiated links between feminism and ecology and between women and nature. Religious discourses are taking ecofeminist analyses into their folds. As a whole, however, religious ecofeminist perspectives are uneven. In this article, I suggest seven hermeneutics that might strengthen religious ecofeminist discourses as well as develop connections among the various viewpoints towards larger horizons, and specifically ones that link theory with concrete and material life-conditions.

Thomas Berry was an intellectual giant and cultural visionary of extraordinary stature. His vast knowledge of history, religions, and expertise as a cultural historian, united with his concern for the future of the planet is a unique blend revealing a genuine original thinker. Many know of his proposal for a new story, and a vital Earth sensitive spirituality. Few know the intellectual journey, because he presented his thoughts as a seamless and studied synthesis. This book is about the intellectual journey of Thomas Berry: of the roots and insights that are hidden within his ecological, spiritual proposal.

A few decades ago, ecofeminist historical efforts provided decisive revelations and analyses of the historical entanglements and parallel oppressions of women and nature: a women/nature nexus. Ecofeminism are experiencing a resurgence, with fresh voices in new contexts, and addressing a wide range of concerns. It is encouraging that the relevance of the intersections of gender/nature and feminism and ecology is being reconsidered in new ways. This chapter addresses the topics of ecofeminism, climate change and related theological considerations. After an introduction to ecofeminisms and their debates, the discussion moves to ecofeminism and climate justice, ecological rights, planetary frameworks and the need for inspiring visions, especially in a -COVID era.

The theme of this article is a rise in notions of a planetary community, and the tensions this evokes in global-local and universal-contextual debates. The primary focus is the realization that new visions are needed to respond to ecological dilemmas in a culturally diverse yet global world and interconnected Earth. Of the many ways to discuss this, I first consider the growing interest in and expansion of biodemocracy as a way to combine these dimensions. Insights and issues from postmodern perspectives follow this, surveying the suspicion of what lurks behind “global.” The next segment turns to ecological postmodernists who realize that a unifying path must be found for a viable planetary future. A brief and final section considers the Earth Charter to be an initiative responsive to postmodern pressures, and yet seeking a global vision and common ground for an emerging world community