Faith, Fern and Compass

In Episode 207, we have the great pleasure of sharing with you a talk by Peter Illyn, “Goddess, Gearbox or Garden,” presented at the Wild Goose West festival earlier this year. Peter explores the “history of history” and the evolving use of stories and metaphors within Christianity to talk about humanity’s relationship with the natural world. What does it mean to be a “belly-button Christian” in a culture steeped in mechanistic and utilitarian metaphors for nature? How do we encourage others to nurture a sacred relationship with the earth? Peter explores all of these questions and more, sharing accounts of his own work as an environmental steward and activist. In our Pro Extension, we continue the conversation by exploring the history of Earth goddess worship throughout the world, and some of the environmental implications of nature worship today.

Peter Illyn is an evangelical pastor and avid wilderness hiker in the Pacific Northwest passionately committed to environmental stewardship. He is the founder and executive director of Restoring Eden, a Christian grassroots environmental ministry that works with people to be a voice for the environment and all those who depend on it. Restoring Eden advocates for natural habitats, wild species and indigenous subsistence cultures through raising public awareness and meeting with elected officials for legislation that is healthy for the environment.

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• RestoringEden.org
• Wild Goose Festival

• Trouble in paradise: Does nature worship harm the environment?
• Please, Don’t Touch the Nature

• Opening and closing theme: “Dragonfly” by Brian Boyko
• “Warm In The Village,” by Mixers By The River

• “Windmill on Fuerteventura” by Vincent

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Post tags: Christianity, creation care, environmentalism, Peter Illyn, Restoring Eden, stewardship, Wild Goose Festival