Environmental Justice: Science and Theology

According to climate scientist, Gus Speth, “the top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy” which are spiritual problems. Many agree that spiritual problems are the basis for most injustice issues. People of faith specialize in spiritual problems and are the perfect people to lead on climate.

This summer Blessed Tomorrow is hosting a Let’s Talk Climate series on Environmental Justice (Find Here).

In this series, we are featuring the perspectives of different people involved in the work toward environmental justice. The July 2022 episode features Rev. Dr. Loida Martell, Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs at Lexington Theological Seminary. Dr. Martell is a revered theologian who pioneered the study of evángelica theology. In 2013, she co-authored the well-received Latina Evangélicas: A Theological Survey from the Margins. In addition to writing, teaching courses, and serving as LTS  Dean, she is an ordained minister in the American Baptist Churches-USA and served as pastor for 15 years in the Bronx in New York City. Dr. Martell also was the first female veterinarian in Puerto Rico and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Martell has expertise in both science and theology.  Like Gus Speth, she believes that the foundational problems of injustice are greed and selfishness. She said that Jesus warned his disciples of “cold love” (Matthew 24.3). Using the example of the Good Samaritan story (Luke 10.25-37) in the Christian bible, Dr. Martell calls us to have “hot love.” When we have “hot love” we ask ourselves, “what kind of neighbor am I called to be” and “what borders do I need to cross”? Creation is a result of God’s selflessness. All creation is imbued with God’s divinity. Our exploitation of other people and of creation is anti-evangelical.

Watch Let’s Talk Climate, July 2022 to engage theologically. Become a Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador to be part of the solution.