Climate Change, Radical Uncertainty and Hope

Dr. Jan Jorrit Hasselaar, theologian and economist, is Director of the Amsterdam Centre for Religion and Sustainable Development, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He is research fellow of the University of the Western Cape (South Africa). Hasselaar chaired the working group ‘Sustainable Development’ of the Council of Churches in the Netherlands (2011-2018).

• Preface Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Stating the Problem: Radical Uncertainty Chapter 3 Theology and Economics in Conversation Chapter 4 Jonathan Sacks’ Understanding of Hope Chapter 5 Transversal Reasoning on Emunah Chapter 6 Transversal Reasoning on Chessed Chapter 7 Transversal Reasoning on Change of Identity Chapter 8 Transversal Reasoning on Narrative Chapter 9 Conclusions Bibliography

‘The radical uncertainty of climate change is not nearly often enough balanced with the inspirational hope of theology. This vital symmetry is highlighted by Jan Jorrit Hasselaar in his extraordinary comparative analysis of theology and economics.’ Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Theological and Environmental Advisor to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew ‘Although Christian theology talks about “God’s economy”, economists hardly talk about theology, especially not on challenges associated with climate change. Hasselaar bravely brings such discourses into “courageous conversation” with each other in order to confront anxiety and to encourage hope.’ Ernst M. Conradie, Senior Professor, Department of Religion and Theology, University of the Western Cape ‘This innovative book finds fresh perspectives on climate change by combining insights from economics and theology. In particular, the narrative of hope is set out as a promising third way between the dead ends of naïve optimism and pessimism.’ Lans Bovenberg, Senior Professor, Department of Economics, Tilburg University