10/07/2025 08:30
- 16:15
HALL: Lecture Hall 07
Proponent:
Höftberger E.,
Kosack D.
Chair:
Höftberger E.,
Kosack D.
Speaker:
Harmsen M.,
Höftberger E.,
Huber M.,
Kosack D.,
Mohme D.,
Serran-Pagan C.,
Sixta T.,
Sverker J.,
Van Hoogstraten M.
This panel will focus on the challenge of hope in the intersection of religion and the ecological crisis. In the context of the climate crisis and growing "eco-anxiety", the question of coping strategies has become urgent. Among these strategies, hope emerges as a central concept, deeply rooted in religious traditions and salvation narratives, but increasingly taken up in psychological, sociological and economic contexts. This panel seeks to explore how theological research, interdisciplinary engagement and religious practice are being transformed by the climate crisis, particularly through the lens of hope.
The role of religious frameworks in addressing the climate crisis has become more prominent, intersecting with the complexities of contemporary crises such as the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. Some papers in the panel suggest that faith-based responses are being reframed in light of these overlapping challenges, while new approaches to hope are emerging in academic and public discourse. We seek for further contributions for example on the following questions: In what ways do findings on the climate crisis influence religious practices and implicit notions of hope? How do theological concepts of hope interact with the strategic functions of hope in social and religious contexts? What narratives of hope are emerging in religious practice, theological reflection, and broader academic discussions about the ecological crisis?
This open panel aims to foster dialogue across disciplines, exploring the dynamic interplay of religion, hope, the climate crisis and ecological awareness. We welcome contributions from theology of all religious affiliations, religious studies, environmental humanities and related fields.
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