Sustainability and Religion: Mutual Implications

Abstract

Whether sustainability goals advance depends greatly on the human factor, or the set of beliefs, values, and attitudes held by entire populations, besides governments, authorities or boards. Recognizing the role that the human factor plays might ensure a better consideration of religious bodies or churches when trying to design more sustainable complex systems, a point frequently ignored in secular societies where the weight of religious beliefs seems to be dismissed as insignificant. Post-secular arrangements could open the door to a greater engagement from religious organizations and individuals. At the same time, it is important for churches and theological reflection to assume the sustainability aim at the centre of their interests and development. There are some exceptions, as the case of apocalyptic-driven religious forms, which are little interested in sustainability, and could expect a rather catastrophic end of times. However, most religious expressions should be more concerned about contributing to sustainable programs.