Published 31 Jan 2025
Responding faithfully
Let's address our climate crisis
A blog post Women Scholars and Professionals
In our world today, the effects of climate change have become more and more inescapable. But how can our own sense of place enlarge our understanding of the intricate links between us and those across the earth? Author and professor Jerusha Matsen Neal joins us on the podcast to explore a theology of place and the ways we can look at the presence of climate catastrophe with clear eyes and a faithful response. In her book Holy Ground: Climate Change, Preaching, and the Apocalypse of Place, Jerusha helps us learn from the sermons of displaced Indigenous communities in the South Pacific, exploring the effects of colonialism and inviting us into a space of learning and reflection. We also discuss her convictions on the power of preaching and the ways we can move forward to better the world today. Bonus: at the end of the episode, you can hear an excerpt from our conversation where Jerusha shares her best advice for someone who is considering working or studying overseas.
“Find your Elizabeth. Find the person who sees the gifts in you and names them. That’s really significant.”
Whenever we begin to think about the climate crisis, we remember the example of Katharine Hayhoe and her courageous and accessible work to engage others in climate justice. This extended interview with Katharine from 2015 (and addendum about parenting and navigating travel with your kids) encourage us to pursue our callings even when we need to overcome obstacles. Katharine joined us on our podcast a few years ago to discuss her book Saving Us, in which she encourages everyday people to simply talk about climate as a first action step. And if you want a satisfying weekly reality check, sign up for Katharine’s newsletter (you can see this week’s edition here) where you’ll hear encouragement, challenges, and ways to work together for the sake of our planet. How might God be inviting you to participate?
“I truly believe that a failure to act on climate change is a failure to love.”
Would you (or someone you know) enjoy working with Women Scholars and Professionals? We’re looking for people with skills in marketing & communications and editing & content. Check out our job listings!
Pray with us! You can join our online, 30-minute guided prayer meetings on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern). Can’t come? Send your prayer requests anyway by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org. Ready to pray? Join the Zoom meeting here for those Friday meetings.
Join Women Scholars and Professionals this spring for a discussion of Habits of Hope: Educational Practices for a Weary World. Register now to receive your 40% discount for a copy of the book and prepare for online discussions about a Christian understanding of hope in academia. We hope you can join us!
MORE FROM OUR FRIENDS AT INTERVARSITY PRESS
Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!
Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.
OTHER EVENTS
Black and Evangelical. Sign up for this free webinar February 4, at 2:30 p.m. ET to learn how Black evangelicals enrich the broader church in America. Co-hosted by the National Association of Evangelicals, Christianity Today and Wheaton College, this virtual roundtable will feature a panel of leaders who openly discuss the challenges Black evangelicals have faced, while offering a hopeful vision for Black evangelicalism.
Believers in Business. As the largest Christian MBA gathering in the country, the 2025 Believers in Business Conference is a key intersection of the Christian MBA and Christian professional communities. For more information and to register, click here.
Four More Things We Loved This Week
Liuan Huska on finding spaciousness as we read the news of the day.
Reflecting on her first 20 years in the classroom, one professor identifies six key ways students and their needs have changed.