Presenting the Mission House Lecture: “The Violence and Hope of Climate Change,” Kevin J. O’Brien plans to discuss climate change as a form of violence and explore how Christianity can play a role in these injustices at 6:30 p.m. on March 25 in the Campus Center Event Space.
O’Brien, professor of religion and environmental studies at Pacific Lutheran University of Tacoma, Washington, focuses his studies on climate change, environmental ethics and the intersections of ethics, religion, nonviolence and social justice. O’Brien has produced several books including “Environmental Ethics and Uncertainty: Wresting with Wicked Problems” with Whitney Bauman and “The Violence of Climate Change: Lessons of Resistance from Nonviolent Activists.”
Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Lakeland University has a mission to encourage students to “think critically, to communicate effectively, to succeed professionally, and to lead ethical, purposeful and fulfilling lives. The Mission House Lecture will encourage and inspire those values and call Christian’s to be peacemakers of change and caring to “all our neighbors in the warming world.”
Julie Mavity Maddelena, Lakeland University Chaplin notes that, “We are at an absolutely critical time for addressing climate change. We are already seeing and experiencing its devastating impacts, and it will only get worse if we don’t make changes. And that can feel overwhelming and intimidating, so learning from experts who have been doing this work for a long time can offer hope and empowerment. We will have to come together and work together, and seeing other people who care is very encouraging and energizing.”
Students are highly encouraged to attend this event. Maddelena can “promise that Dr. O’Brien is fantastic. He’s a personable, warm guy, who makes difficult but important topics interesting and easier to understand.” The mission house lecture is a way for students to connect with their values, their community, and their peers to work together on critical issues. Students who attend the Mission Lecture may receive a convocation credit.
