c. scott andreas

When considering the word “natural,” we face a tendency to imagine such areas as existing in a pristine, undisturbed stasis – say a forest, mountain, or meadow, for example. Such a definition is highly problematic, as all areas, “natural” and otherwise, are constantly changing.

We would do well to begin thinking of “natural” in terms of an interconnected system of processes that are constantly altering, shaping, and reshaping ecosystems. Thus, when describing an area as “natural,” we would then be referring to its ability to absorb and integrate the changes that occur.

For instance, we do not consider cities and other developed areas “natural” due to the fact that ecological forces rarely push back with the veracity needed to topple a network of roads, buildings, and homes – though this often occurs in localized areas or to lesser degrees. As such, an area’s “natural-ness” depends on the continuation of processes rather than the physical composition of the area under discussion at a specific point in time. For the most part, these processes are self-sustaining. An ecosystem responds “naturally” to a stimulus by moderating and integrating it, occasionally transforming the processes at work themselves. This is the area in which humans have had the greatest, and perhaps most alarming impacts.

Throughout history, and especially following the Industrial Revolution, humans have increased dramatically in population, affluence, and technological capability – often without considering the larger implications of this growth. As such, we are altering not just our local environments, but the interconnected global processes that sustain life on the planet itself. Exponential growth curves indicate that within the next thirty years and almost certainly within the next century, humans will surpass the carrying capacity of the planet if we fail to dramatically alter our patterns of consumption, resource use, and reproduction.

Of course, this is assuming that we have not yet passed this point.

The time to be concerned is past. We must now begin to act. Or perhaps stop acting.

We’ve come a long way, baby.

[ download hi-res pdf ]

Threadless has some of the best t-shirts I’ve found. The idea is brilliant - graphic artists submit designs to the site, then visitors vote on them. Designs that receive the most votes are manufactured and sold. And they’re so creative.

So this one popped up today. It’s called “Biblical Disaster” by Glenn Jones. Morbid, but cute.

I’ve been reading bits and pieces of Benjamin Barber’s Strong Democracy: Participatory Politics for a New Age. It’s an excellent (if a tad dated) book on how to save America.

The author suggests that “democracy” as practiced in the U.S. suffers largely because it is based upon the assumption that human beings are fundamentally incapable of living together in peace. As such, the question of liberal politics for many is simply a question of resource distribution; the government functions as a zookeeper, deciding who gets what and protecting individuals from others. For Barber, these “thin democratic” responses to conflict fail in that they opt to deny, repress, or tolerate it rather than transform it. He proposes that “strong democracy” as politics in the participatory mode depends on citizens who talk to one another.

Talk can be understood as a democratic political ritual, part of a “never-ending process of deliberation, decision, and action” (151). But what sort of talking is this? Barber suggests that productive talk calls for participation, listening, and empathy. As such, discussion creates the citizens a functioning democracy requires by abolishing the differences that divide individuals and communities. Once this safe discursive space is christened, talk seizes this newfound connection as an opportunity for both reasoned and affective discourse in which participants come to recognize and honor each other’s common humanity in words and actions.

Barber’s final chapter is strikingly hopeful. Citing numerous empirical examples of “strong democracy” at work about the world, he suggests that implementing the structures necessary to support democratic talk as a package deal just might save Americans from disinterest in each other and in their government. These structures include neighborhood assemblies, a civic communications network, and improved access to education and information.

Might it be possible to realize such a dream today? The book’s 1984 copyright is disconcerting. Yet we have all of the technology and infrastructure necessary to support a “strong democracy” (save for front porches and sidewalks in some areas). Perhaps Barber’s “taste-and-see” approach to empowering would-be citizens is the problem. Perhaps it’s time to take democracy, to take talk, to take reasoned, affective discourse to the masses.

It might be possible, but it will certainly be difficult.

“American Church Lists” is a division of infoUSA. The company maintains a 375,000-entry database of churches, ministries, and schools that can be searched according to geography,…



(This post is published at Conversatio.net, Scott’s academic-ish site.)

This evening, I discovered an incredible new tool called BibleMap. It’s a Google Maps + Bible + Encyclopedia + Photo mashup. Upon selecting a book and chapter in either ESV or KJV, all place names become clickable. Clicking on the name will re-locate a Google Map to show a satellite photo of the region, as well as a decription of significant events that occurred at that location and other points where that spot is mentioned in scripture (once you click on the marker). In true Web 2.0 form, it’s officially a free “beta” tool, but it works quite well.

I was a bit depressed that the Valley of Hinnom (often translated gehenna, or more frequently but less precisely, hell in the NT) was not a clickable location. As such, BibleMap might not be entirely complete, but it sure is handy.

Why not check it out?

I’m in Kokomo judging the Indiana HS State Debate tournament. Props to the school for providing free w-fi.

I owe a lot to debate. When I was in high school, it gave me something to do, something to care about, and something to strive for. I learned how to speak, how to argue, and how to see something through someone else’s eyes.

(I also owe any sense of fashion that I might have to a friend I met through debate while in high school.)

I’m concerned that “debate” as a high school activity is on the decline in this area. Here’s hoping for a rebound.

Update: Judged a couple good rounds. Back home safely. I’m satisfied.

Update 2:   My younger cousin Josh and his debate partner John just won the final round!  Huge congratulations to them on their victory and a hearty “thank you” for bringing the trophy back to Columbia City!

Rob Bell’s next book Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality will be released in about a month. To remove all doubt, he titled the introduction, “This is really about that.” It’s an interesting project, to say the least.

You can check out a sample chapter on the book’s web site, or hop straight to Amazon if you’re feeling shoppy.

Here’s a snippet:

When Jesus talks about heaven and hell, they are first and foremost present realities that have serious implications for the future. Either can be invited to earth, right now, through our actions.

It’s possible for heaven to invade earth.
And it’s possible for hell to invade earth.

And another:

When a human being is mistreated, objectified, or neglected, when they are treated as less than human, these actions are actions against God. Because how you treat the creation reflects how you feel about the Creator.

To be a Christian is to work for the new humanity. Jesus commands his followers to feed and clothe and visit and take care of those who need it. They’re fellow image-bearers, they’re just like us, and when we love them, we’re loving God.

I’m looking forward to this. Evocative, maybe a little provocative. But almost certainly a good read.

technorati tags:marshill, robbell, sexgod