ECOLOGICAL HOLISM AND THEOLOGICAL DUALISM AS ROOTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM: MEDIEVAL LESSONS FOR MODERN RELIGIOUS SCHOLARS
Susan Power Bratton
Abstract The central hypothesis of this paper is that idealization nature may fuel environmental racism when combined with dual interpretation human religious or spiritual states. Medieval typological Biblical exegesis, originally based on historic rather than racial differentiation, encouraged presentation Christianity as "natural" and Judaism contra-natural. During the Gothic period, stained glass St. Denis Cathedral presented occupying material transcendent spheres existence. In numerous windows, Jews appear threats to by attacking Christ a green cross, which symbolizes renewal all life, Lignum Vitae. As Christian architects scientists increased their focus divine light creation, prejudicial portrayals depicted blind Synagogue, unable fully appreciate nature. Pagan motifs, such Green Man, syncretized theological dualism, also serve separate from living These depictions purposefully conflict aesthetic emphasis proportion, clarity, integrity were intended imply minorities have no legitimate role in European society. Modern scholarship must be cautious not describe some religions natural religion, while neglecting others, particularly Islam.
Worldviews