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UID:20260924T213050EDT-2235JWfR73@132.216.98.100
DTSTAMP:20260925T013050Z
DESCRIPTION:Mathew K. Birgen (School of Religious Studies\, McGill Universi
 ty)\n\n'Towards Radical Utu: Reimagining the Tower of Babel through an Afr
 ican Ecological Lens'\n\n\n	My research aims to reinterpret the creation ma
 ndate (Genesis 1:28) in the Bible through the African philosophical framew
 ork of Utu\, which emphasizes the deep interconnection between humanity an
 d the Earth\, their dignity\, and communal well-being. This study argues t
 hat Genesis 1:28\, when read within the broader context of Genesis 1 - 11\
 , illustrates how environmental destruction stems from a denial of its inh
 erent humanity. This denial reflects an anthropocentric understanding of h
 umanity that excludes the Earth\, fostering patterns of greed\, exploitati
 on\, and violence against the environment. Such a misconception lies at th
 e heart of the ongoing environmental crisis\, with profound consequences f
 or both planetary health and human flourishing. Ultimately\, the degradati
 on of the Earth not only diminishes ecological integrity but also erodes h
 uman dignity\, deepens suffering\, and displaces communities.\n\nIn this p
 aper\, therefore\, I employ narrative criticism to explore the story of th
 e Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 through an ecological lens to uncover i
 ts idea of the Earth. With this method\, I examine text structure\, litera
 ry devices\, characterization\, and their portrayal of the Earth and its r
 elationship with humanity. Exploring the narrative of the Tower of Babel i
 s particularly significant because it reinforces the divine promise in Gen
 esis 1:28 and offers a critical lens for addressing contemporary ecologica
 l challenges. Themes of human hubris and disregard for interdependence res
 onate with current environmental exploitation\, positioning this narrative
  as a critical resource for reimagining human-Earth relations in the face 
 of climate.\n\n \n\nLight Refreshments Served.\n\n \n
DTSTART:20251119T200000Z
DTEND:20251119T220000Z
LOCATION:Room 116\, Peterson Hall\, CA\, QC\, Montreal\, H3A 0E6\, 3460 rue
  McTavish
SUMMARY:IOWC Speaker Series: Mathew K. Birgen
URL:https://www.mcgill.ca/history/channels/event/iowc-speaker-series-mathew
 -k-birgen-367661
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