Headed South (Ellen Davis on ecology in the Hebrew Bible)

20 Nov, 2011

As the ground flirts with the freeze, my wheels grind south. Down through Civil War footprints. Down along rolling country roads. Down through the pine groves to a land of soft vowels and sweeter tea. I come to take the winter slow and learn another pace.

Professor Ellen Davis with Thaddeus at Duke Divinity School.

This week, I had the opportunity to talk with Ellen Davis. Professor Davis is a renowned scholar of the Hebrew Bible who currently teaches at Duke Divinity School. Throughout her career, she has worked to enlighten discussion of contemporary issues by informed study of scripture. Her most recent book is Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible (Cambridge University Press, 2009). In that text, she illustrates the connection between environmental management and faith as described by the Hebrew scriptures. In the process, she also tackles many issues that are at the heart of Christian responses to climate change.

Through her work as a scholar, Professor Davis practices a form of prophetic speech. That is, her astute exegesis informs what it means to be people of faith at a time of ecological crisis. Rather than turning to the latest technological innovations or getting caught up in fear, Ellen Davis seeks out the ancient wisdom of the Bible to consider how we can best live the sort of life that is mindful of God and our neighbors.

Her work is not merely theoretical; it is absolutely practical. Both in her book and our discussion, Professor Davis points to specific things that a community can do to become more sustainable. In particular, she suggests that Christian communities learn more about food—where it comes from, what it takes to grow, etc. She suggests that we should get used to paying more for quality food. She also suggests that communities can provide for their food needs and the needs of their neighbors by growing food or supporting small farms. These practices not only support farmers and promote the physical health of the people, but also help to improve the function of local ecosystem in a manner that benefits the planet as a whole.

Like very few people I have met, Professor Davis puts her money where her mouth is. Long ago, she chose to live without a car. That means that she has to plan her living arrangements according to her ability to get around on foot. This and other lifestyle choices have helped dictate her career decisions. In other words, her practices are not peripheral to her values or career.

Thanks to the folks at Virginia Theological Seminary for a great discussion and for making me feel welcome throughout my time there!

Rev. Dr. Roger Ferlo and Anne Harlan show a little taste of their wealth of experiences, knowledge and talents. After several days of conversation, I learned of their work with Desmond Tutu as shown in the picture. Of course, their experiences and kindness far exceed my ability to summarize in this format. I wil merely extend my immense gratitude for their hospitality and work. Thanks also to their daughter Liz Harlan-Ferlo for making their hospitality possible!

I had the chance to speak at and participate in the Ignatian Family Teach-In at Georgetown University. Here, Colman McCarthy spoke to the crowd on practicing peace.

This was one of the breakout sessions during the Teach-In. Thanks to everyone who participated there or at other events during the Teach-In!

Thanks to the crew from Duke Divinity's Creation Matters for a great discussion! Thanks also to the Bairds for hosting me and to Matt and Farley for making the night happen!

However unique the state of our current environmental crisis, Ellen Davis shows us the timeless nature of the Christian response. For her, exegesis inspires action. While Biblical scholarship is not a romantic expression of the prophetic voice, it is crucial. With our varying talents, skills, and experiences, we all have perspectives to lend that can help inform our collective understanding of what it means to be Christian in the face of climate change. What does your perspective have to lend to the greater discussion?

Until we meet again

More engaged in discussion

Than we thought possible