Episode 38: The Grand Canyon, Evolution and Pope Francis

A rafting trip got Rabbi Daniel Swartz — a longtime environmental activist — thinking about the way the human experience relates to the processes of the natural world. How do people live absent the belief that things are getting better, and could quite possibly be getting much worse? How do we muster the resilience to try to make a difference — especially on Climate Change — while simultaneously preparing for real losses, both to the natural world and human civilization? The director of the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life talks about the philosophical and theological questions he’s wrestled with as he’s marshaled his energies toward activism. He demonstrates his philosophy in action, recalling a 2021 gathering of global religious leaders at the Vatican in which participants shaped an important statement on Climate Change. And he shares his impressions of meeting Pope Francis.

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Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

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This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Special Guest: Rabbi Daniel Swartz. Support Evolve Links:Sign up for Evolve's email listCelebrate Five Years of Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish ConversationsRead Rabbi Swartz's Evolve essay, "Evolving Views of Evolution"Read Rabbi Swart's Evolve Essay, "Does the Earth Have a Prayer? Finding Hope As We Confront the Climate Crisis"From Reuters, "Pope, other religious leaders issue pre-COP26 appeal on climate change"The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish LifeFrom The Atlantic, "The People Cheering for Humanity's End"