Eco-Evangelism: Apocalyptic Discourses and Civil Religion in the Environmental Movement

• In Event: Scholar to Scholar V

Abstract

I use Brummett’s notion of apocalyptic form to chart two dueling rhetorics of environmentalism. One looks to the past for protection: imagining a world where technology is rejected. The other posits technological advance as an ally, envisioning a world where environmental solutions are furthered by science. As “green” gains momentum as a civil religion, it is increasingly important for both citizens and scholars to understand the competing discourses affecting our choices as voters and consumers.

Author

• Katherine Cruger, University of Colorado, Boulder